Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Many New England growers are cultivating saffron as a component of their diversified farming program. They are selling their saffron for $25-50 per gram! Want to learn more about this high value crop? Come to our FREE Saffron Demonstration Event coordinated by the University of Vermont (UVM) North American Center for Saffron Research & Development. It will take place in Vermont but anyone from anywhere is welcome to attend if they are willing to drive to it. This is one of several demonstration events we will hold over the year at different Vermont grower locations. Each event will feature different key topics coordinated with the saffron production cycle. 

How to register: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=622305&  

As per UVM policy, attendees must have completed their covid vaccination. Masks must be warn.

When: Thursday, May 27, 2021

What time: 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Where: Calabash Gardens, Newbury, VT  https://calabashgardens.com/  (Actual address is: 1831 Fish Pond Road in Wells River, Vermont.)

Who is speaking: Jette Mandl-Abramson & Zaka Chery (Owners)

Jette and Zaka planted over 100,000 corms last September (2020) and harvested 750,000 saffron flowers (300 grams of saffron) with lots of help from their friends and relations. They have already sold 200 grams. They will show off their saffron operation and describe their plans for the future.

Who else: Arash Ghalehgolabbehbahani, Univ. of Vermont

Arash will describe the life cycle of saffron and show how the secondary corms develop above the primary corm. He will demonstrate how to sample corms to assess their productivity and will provide guidelines on how to prepare saffron beds for planting this fall. He will also give an update on progress on his quality testing research.

Who should attend: Growers growing saffron or interested in producing it in the future or home gardeners who want to learn more about this fascinating crop.

How much: Free, but registration is limited to 40 so register now!

If you have additional questions, email Margaret Skinner: mskinner@uvm.edu  or call: 802-656-5440