Descripción

The saffron under the PDO La Mancha Saffron quality seal, is the only spice of this nature with this recognition of quality in Spain. The specific requirements which must be meet are included in a document, Product Specifications which has been approved by the European Commission. All producers and canners in the marketplace must meet the product specifications. An independent and impartial control Agency verifies that the producers and canners, each in its area of activity, meet the Product specifications. This control Agency has been authorised by the competent authority and approved by ENAC (Spanish Accreditation Body) under the UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17065 Standard or standard which supersedes same.

The main characteristics of the PDO La Mancha Saffron are:

  1. It is a spice obtained from the stigmata of Crocus Sativus, L. and has a unique texture in the form of strands.
  2. Flower harvesting and production process are carried out only in certain municipalities of Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca and Toledo.
  3. The Crocus Sativus, L. is cultivated under specific conditions, from among which is noteworthy is its bulbs are pulled out from the soil every four years and replanted in virgin soil.
  4. The harvesting, separation of stigma from flower process and toasting of the stigmas are carried out in a particular manner and under specific conditions.
  5. It is marketed and packaged in containers not exceeding a net weight of 100 g, and never in bulk.
  6. The saffron must be packaged and marketed the year prior to its packaging.
  7. Purity, physicochemical and sensory characteristics and organoleptic assessment of the saffron are shown in this table.

The PDO La Mancha Saffron constitutes in itself a triple guarantee: Spanish origin saffron; highest quality colour, flavour and aroma; and a comprehensive control system which eliminates any risk of exposure in the product.

 


DOP-azafran-de-la-mancha

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

The packaging

The Saffron under the PDO La Mancha Saffron is marketed exclusively and packaged in containers not exceeding a net weight of 100 grams, and must always be packaged and marketed the year prior to its packaging. The saffron must be stored and protected from moisture, light and at a temperature below 25ºC.

The authorised companies to package the saffron under the PDO La Mancha Saffron have efficient self-control systems, which ensure that the marketed saffron meets all product specification requirements with regard basically to the physicochemical and organoleptic qualities. Furthermore, every packaging company is audited yearly, this audit is carried out by an authorised control Agency which has been approved by ENAC (Spanish Accreditation Body) under the UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012 Standard and authorised by the Agrifood Department of Castile La Mancha, dependent upon the continuation of its authorisation to continue packaging the La Mancha Saffron.

The labelling of the saffron under the PDO La Mancha Saffron clearly shows the numbered Regulatory Council back label, and includes the packaging and use-by dates, according to the prevailing legislation.

Contraetiqueta


 

 

 

 

 

 

The drying

The process of drying applied to the stigmas which are obtained from the plucking process is a crucial stage in the manufacture of the saffron under the PDO La Mancha Saffron, as it plays a determining role in:

  1. The moisture content
  2. Its colouring power
  3. The aroma
  4. The physicochemical and biological stability.
The drying process of the saffron is strongly tied to the gained expertise of the producers and tradition, and still in most cases is based on personal decisions as regards the appearance taken on by the spice during the drying process. The dried saffron is quickly stored in containers with protects their contents from moisture and light, and at a moderate temperature.

 


 

 

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The separation of stigma from the flower process from the saffron flower

The harvested flowers immediately undergo separation of stigma from flower or plucking of the saffron stamens process. Temporarily, and until the flowers are spread out, to prevent the risk of being crushed, on a dry and absorbent surface.

The process of plucking the stigmas is a manual process which requires expertise. It is carried out by pinching and breaking the style where it is white. The three stigma of the saffron flower obtained in this fashion are placed into a container until to the next stage of the process, drying.


 

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The harvesting of the flower

The weather conditions of the production area of the saffron under the PDO La Mancha Saffron make the flowers bloom between the second fortnight of October and the first fortnight of November.

Daily, during this period, while the process lasts, the flower, in any state of the opening of the corolla, is harvested, in consecutive rounds in the saffron field.

The labour is carried out during the first hours of the day, avoiding the heat of the day, until all the flowers that bloomed the night before have been harvested. The flowers must be harvested by means of a strong and precise tweak, carried out in the area of the union between the stem and the calyx.

The cut flowers are gently placed, to prevent the risk of being crushed into containers, which allow ventilation, traditionally wicker baskets. These containers are protected from direct sunlight and are immediately taken to the separation of stigma from flower process.


 

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In the heart of la Mancha

From the Mediterranean, saffron very likely arrived with the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans, but it was the Arabs who were mainly responsible for its expansion throughout the entire Iberian Peninsula. Nevertheless, the saffron adapted itself in a very particular manner to the soil and climatic conditions and sustainable human intervention of La Mancha, and is, much like El Quixote an intrinsic part of its identity and culture. See Map

For several centuries, La Mancha producers have implemented a simple technology, which in essence has remained unchanged until the present day, wherein the family has a major presence in the simple and sober tasks that the preparation of this precious spice requires. Just like that, La Mancha Saffron transcended its mere production, and became the driving force of social relationships through the ties of neighbourhood, cooperation and solidarity on which its exploitation has been built.

Famed for many centuries for its high quality, the La Mancha Saffron was praised by travellers, writers and other vestiges of the past as “a noble seed and of great value”. For example, Alexandre Dumas in the nineteenth century referred to La Mancha as “the country of saffron, where one finds lakes of flowers making up the richness of the steppe, serving at the same time for its embellishment and decoration”.

Ceremonies and symbols as regards La Mancha Saffron still survive in the villages, meeting ideological functions and social cohesion, which imbue an added value to the recognised quality of this very characteristic product.

 

 

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Production area of the PDO La Mancha Saffron

Albacete

Almansa

Municipios de la Comarca de Almansa

  • ALCADOZO
  • ALMANSA
  • ALPERA
  • BONETE
  • CAUDETE
  • FUENTE-ALAMO
  • MONTEALEGRE DEL CASTILLO

Centro

Municipios de la Comarca de Albacete

  • ALBACETE
  • BAZALOTE
  • BARRAX
  • CASAS DE JUAN NUÑEZ
  • CORRAL RUBIO
  • CHINCHILLA DEL MONTE-ARAGON
  • GINETA (LA)
  • HERRERA (LA)
  • HIGUERUELA
  • HOYA GONZALO
  • MONTALVOS
  • PEÑAS DE SAN PEDRO
  • PÉTROLA
  • POZOHONDO
  • POZUELO

Hellín

Municipios de la Comarca de Hellín

  • ALBATANA
  • HELLIN
  • LIETOR
  • ONTUR
  • TOBARRA

La Mancha

Municipios de la Comarca de La Mancha

  • BONILLO (EL)
  • FUENSANTA
  • LEZUZA
  • MINAYA
  • MUNERA
  • OSSA DE MONTIEL
  • RODA (LA)
  • TARAZONA DE LA MANCHA
  • VILLALGORDO DEL JÚCAR
  • VILLARROBLEDO

La Manchuela

Municipios de la Comarca de La Manchuela

  • ABENJIBRE
  • ALATOZ
  • ALBOREA
  • ALCALA DEL JUCAR
  • BALSA DE VES
  • CARCELEN
  • CASAS DE VES
  • CASAS IBAÑEZ
  • CENIZATE
  • FUENTEALBILLA
  • GOLOSALBO
  • JORQUERA
  • MADRIGUERAS
  • MAHORA
  • MOTILLEJA
  • NAVAS DE JORQUERA
  • POZO LORENTE
  • RECUEJA (LA)
  • VALDEGANGA
  • VILLA DE VES
  • VILLAMALEA
  • VILLATOYA
  • VILLAVALIENTE

Sierra de Alcaraz

Municipios de la Comarca de Sierra de Alcaraz

  • ALCARAZ
  • BALLESTERO (EL)
  • BIENSERVIDA
  • CASAS DE LAZARO
  • COTILLAS
  • MASEGOSO
  • PATERNA DEL MADERA
  • PEÑASCOSA
  • POVEDILLA
  • RIOPAR
  • ROBLEDO
  • SALOBRE
  • SAN PEDRO
  • VIANOS
  • VILLAPALACIOS
  • VILLAVERDE DE GUADALIMAR
  • VIVEROS

Sierra de Segura

Municipios de la Comarca de Sierra de Segura

  • AYNA
  • BORRAGA
  • ELCHE DE LA SIERRA
  • FEREZ
  • LETUR
  • MOLINICOS
  • NERPIO
  • SOCOVOS
  • YESTE

Campo de Montiel

Municipios de la Comarca de Campo de Montiel (Albacete)

  • BALAZOTE
  • EL BALLESTERO
  • EL BONILLO
  • LA HERRERA
  • LEZUZA
  • MUNERA
  • OSSA DE MONTIEL
  • POVEDILLA
  • VIVEROS

Ciudad Real

Campo de Calatrava

Municipios de la Comarca de Campo de Calatrava

  • ALMAGRO
  • BOLAÑOS DE CALATRAVA
  • CARRION DE CALATRAVA
  • MIGUELTURRA
  • MORAL DE CALATRAVA
  • POZUELO DE CALATRAVA
  • TORRALBA DE CALATRAVA

Campo de Montiel

Municipios de la Comarca de Campo de Montiel

  • ALBALADEJO
  • ALCUBILLAS
  • ALHAMBRA
  • CARRIZOSA
  • FUENLLANA
  • MONTIEL
  • VILLAHERMOSA
  • VILLANUEVA DE LA FUENTE
  • VILLANUEVA DE LOS INFANTES

La Mancha

Municipios de la Comarca de La Mancha (Ciudad Real)

  • ALCAZAR DE SAN JUAN
  • ARENAS DE SAN JUAN
  • ARGAMASILLA DE ALBA
  • CAMPO DE CRIPTANA
  • DAIMIEL
  • HERENCIA
  • LAS LABORES
  • MANZANARES
  • MEMBRILLA
  • PEDRO MUÑOZ
  • PUERTOLAPICE
  • RUIDERA
  • SAN CARLOS DEL VALLE
  • SOCUELLAMOS
  • SOLANA (LA)
  • TOMELLOSO
  • VALDEPEÑAS
  • VILLARRUBIA DE LOS OJOS
  • VILLARTA DE SAN JUAN

Montes del Norte

Municipios de la Comarca de Montes del Norte

  • FUENTE EL FRESNO

Cuenca

Alcarria

Municipios de la Comarca de Alcarria

  • ALBALATE DE LAS NOGUERAS
  • ARRANCACEPAS
  • BARAJAS DE MELO
  • BUCIEGAS
  • CAÑAVERAS
  • CASTILLO-ALBARÁÑEZ
  • HUETE
  • OLMEDA DE LA CUESTA
  • OLMEDILLA DE ELIZ
  • PERALEJA (LA)
  • PINEDA DE CIGÜELA
  • SALCEDA -TRASIERRA
  • TORRALBA
  • TORREJONCILLO DEL REY
  • VALDECOLMENAS (LOS)
  • VELLISCA
  • VILLANUEVA DE GUADAMAJUD
  • VILLAR DE DOMINGO GARCÍA
  • VILLAR Y VELASCO
  • VILLAREJO DE LA PEÑUELA
  • VILLAS DE LA VENTOSA

La Manchuela

Municipios de la Comarca de La Manchuela

  • ALARCON
  • BUENACHE DE ALARCON
  • CAMPILLO DE ALTOBUEY
  • CASAS DE BENITEZ
  • CASAS DE GUIJARRO
  • CASASIMARRO
  • CASTILLEJO DE INIESTA
  • GABALDÓN
  • GRAJA DE INIESTA
  • HERRUMBLAR (EL)
  • HONTECILLAS
  • INIESTA
  • LEDAÑA
  • MINGLANILLA
  • MOTILLA DEL PALANCAR
  • OLMEDILLA DE ALARCON
  • PERAL (EL)
  • PICAZO (EL)
  • POZORRUBIELOS DE LA MANCHA
  • PUEBLA DEL SALVADOR
  • QUINTANAR DEL REY
  • SISANTE
  • TÉBAR
  • VALHERMOSO DE LA FUENTE
  • VALVERDEJO
  • VILLAGARCIA DEL LLANO
  • VILLALPARDO
  • VILLANUEVA DE LA JARA
  • VILLARTA

La Mancha Alta

Municipios de la Comarca de La Mancha Alta

  • ACEBRON (EL)
  • ALCAZAR DEL REY
  • ALCONCHEL DE LA ESTRELLA
  • ALMARCHA (LA)
  • ALMENDROS
  • ALMONACID DEL MARQUESADO
  • ALTAREJOS
  • ATALAYA DE CAÑAVATE
  • BELINCHON
  • BELMONTEJO
  • CAMPOS DEL PARAÍSO
  • CAÑADA JUNCOSA
  • CAÑAVATE (EL)
  • CASTILLO DE GARCIMUÑOZ
  • CERVERA DEL LLANO
  • FUENTE DE PEDRO NAHARRO
  • HINOJOSA (LA)
  • HITO (EL)
  • HONRUBIA
  • HORCAJO DE SANTIAGO
  • HUELVES
  • HUERTA DE LA OBISPALIA
  • MONTALBANEJO
  • MONTALBO
  • MOTA DE ALTAREJOS
  • OLIVARES DEL JUCAR
  • PALOMARES DEL CAMPO
  • PAREDES
  • PINAREJO
  • POZORRUBIO DE SANTIAGO
  • PUEBLA DE ALMENARA
  • ROZALEN DEL MONTE
  • SAELICES
  • SAN LORENZO DE LA PARRILLA
  • TARANCON
  • TORRUBIA DEL CAMPO
  • TORRUBIA DEL CASTILLO
  • TRIBALDOS
  • UCLES
  • VALVERDE DEL JUCAR
  • VILLALGORDO DEL MARQUESADO
  • VILLAR DE CAÑAS
  • VILLAREJO DE FUENTES
  • VILLAREJO-PERIESTEBAN
  • VILLARES DEL SAZ
  • VILLARRUBIO
  • VILLAVERDE Y PASACONSOL
  • ZAFRA DE ZANCARA
  • ZAFRA DE TAJO

La Mancha Baja

Municipios de la Comarca de La Mancha Baja

  • ALBERCA DE ZANCARA (LA)
  • BELMONTE
  • CARRASCOSA DE HARO
  • CASAS DE FERNANDO ALONSO
  • CASAS DE HARO
  • CASAS DE LOS PINOS
  • FUENTELESPINO DE HARO
  • HINOJOSOS (LOS)
  • HONTANAYA
  • MESAS (LAS)
  • MONREAL DEL LLANO
  • MOTA DEL CUERVO
  • OSA DE LA VEGA
  • PEDERNOSO (EL)
  • PEDROÑERAS (LAS)
  • POZOAMARGO
  • PROVENCIO (EL)
  • RADA DE HARO
  • SAN CLEMENTE
  • SANTA MARIA DEL CAMPO RUS
  • SANTA MARIA DE LOS LLANOS
  • TRESJUNCOS
  • VARA DE REY
  • VILLAESCUSA DE HARO
  • VILLAMAYOR DE SANTIAGO
  • VILLAR DE LA ENCINA

Serranía Alta

Municipios de la Comarca de Serranía Alta

  • CAÑIZARES
  • FUERTEESCUSA
  • HUÉLAMO
  • MAJADAS (LAS)
  • POYATOS
  • TRAGACETE
  • VEGA DEL CODORNO

Serranía Media

Municipios de la Comarca de Serranía Media

  • ABIA DE LA OBISPALIA
  • ALBADANEJO DEL CUENDE
  • ALMODOVAR DEL PINAR
  • ARCAS DEL VILLAR
  • ARCOS DE LA SIERRA
  • CHILLARON DE CUENCA
  • BARCHIN DEL HOYO
  • BASCUÑANA DE SAN PEDRO
  • BEAMUD
  • BUENACHE DE LA SIERRA
  • CAÑAMARES
  • CASTILLEJO-SIERRA
  • CIERVA (LA)
  • CUENCA
  • CHUMILLAS
  • ENGUIDANOS
  • FRESNEDA DE ALTAREJOS
  • FRESNEDA DE LA SIERRA
  • FRONTERA (LA)
  • FUENTENAVA DE JÁBAGA
  • FUENTES
  • MARIANA
  • MONTEAGUDO DE LAS SALINAS
  • OLMEDA DEL REY
  • PALOMERA
  • PARACUELLOS
  • PARRA DE LAS VEGAS (LA)
  • PESQUERA (LA)
  • PIQUERAS DEL CASTILLO
  • PORTILLA
  • SOLERA DE GABALDON
  • SOTORRIBAS
  • UÑA
  • VALDEMORILLO DE LA SIERRA
  • VALDEMORO-SIERRA
  • VALDETÓRTOLA
  • VALERAS (LAS)
  • VILLALBA DE LA SIERRA
  • VILLAR DE OLALLA
  • ZARZUELA

Toledo

La Mancha

Municipios de la Comarca de La Mancha (Toledo)

  • CABAÑAS DE YEPES
  • CABEZAMESADA
  • CAMUÑAS
  • CIRUELOS
  • CONSUEGRA
  • CORRAL DE ALMAGUER
  • DOSBARRIOS
  • GUARDIA (LA)
  • HUERTA DE VALDECARABANOS
  • LILLO
  • MADRIDEJOS
  • MANZANEQUE
  • MIGUEL ESTEBAN
  • MORA
  • NOBLEJAS
  • OCAÑA
  • ONTIGOLA
  • PUEBLA DE ALMORADIEL (LA)
  • QUERO
  • QUINTANAR DE LA ORDEN
  • ROMERALES
  • SANTA CRUZ DE ZARZA
  • TEMBLEQUE
  • TOBOSO (EL)
  • TURLEQUE
  • URDA
  • VILLACAÑAS
  • VILLA DE DON FADRIQUE (LA)
  • VILLAFRANCA DE LOS CABALLEROS
  • VILLAMUELAS
  • VILLLANUEVA DE ALCARDETE
  • VILLANUEVA DE BOGAS
  • VILLARRUBIA DE SANTIAGO
  • VILLASEQUILLA DE YEPES
  • VILLATOBAS
  • YEPES

Montes de Toledo

Municipios de la Comarca de Montes de Toledo

  • ORGAZ
  • YEBENES (LOS)
Comarcas de la Mancha La Mancha -Toledo La Mancha - Ciudad Real Montes de Toledo Serranía Media Serranía Alta La Alcarria La Mancha Centro La Mancha baja La mancha Alta La Manchuela Montes del Norte Montes del Norte Campo de Calatrava Albacete (Centro) Sierra del Segura Sierra de Alcaraz La Manchuela Almansa Hellín Campo de Montiel (Ciudad Real) Campo de Montiel
  
 
 
 
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