Saffron of San Gimignano

Saffron of San GimignanoIn San Gimignano, the cultivation of saffron was introduced with the first crusades and it found the ideal conditions for growth and cultivation here.

Its quality was immediately appreciated, so much so that a flourishing trade emerged throughout the Mediterranean basin, including the Near East, with the support of the Pisan and Genoese ships and commercial structures.

The great profits obtained from the saffron trade made it possible for some families to become very rich, so much so that some of them decided to invest part of the profits in the construction of the famous towers - which are still a source of pride - as a symbol of the power and wealth they had achieved.

Saffron had been considered precious since ancient times; it was known for its aphrodisiac qualities in Persia and Ancient Greece and the tradition was handed down to the Romans, while in the Middle Ages this spice was used to dye wedding dresses as a good luck wish for a happy and fruitful marriage.

It was so precious that it was given as a gift to illustrious characters: it is no wonder then that Federico II and King Charles of Anjou were also given this precious spice as a gift.

Today, saffron of San Gimignano is grown and harvested completely by hand, following organic criteria, and the product boasts the PDO label, the best acknowledgement for its excellence and for its history.