FEDERICO – METTERE ZAFFERANO, NON VINO

It is indeed quite unusual that a region as fertile as Piedmont is predominantly dedicated to the cultivation of grapes, the production of wine, and the nurturing of hazelnuts. When I made the decision to embark on the journey of cultivating saffron, I acquired the precious bulbs and sought the invaluable assistance of my closest friends. Like many other young students, I’ve chosen to devote a portion of my time to agriculture, to connect with the land and nurture its bounty.

The saffron flowers, with their ethereal beauty, reveal their splendor in the early morning light as the sun ascends. However, in this endeavor, our primary challenge lies in managing water. Striking the right balance is essential. Excess water can lead to waterlogging, causing the delicate bulbs to rot if the field doesn’t have adequate drainage. It’s an intricate dance of nurturing a crop that adores water while being cautious not to inundate it. The reason we harvest in the morning is that saffron, in all its glory, thrives on water and tends to dissolve in it.

The proximity of the sea in this area brings with it a mild winter season, which, contrary to expectations, is not as bone-chilling as one might anticipate. This climate is particularly well-suited for saffron cultivation, as the bulbs benefit from these milder winters.

To protect my precious saffron crop from unwanted intruders, I’ve surrounded my field with an electrified fence. However, even such a barrier can’t always deter curious boars, and last week, an amusing yet hair-raising incident unfolded. A local friend of mine, a seasoned hunter, mistakenly identified me as a boar. He ventured past the fence and fired a shot into the air, with the intention of scaring off the perceived animal. The unforeseen twist was that the “animal” he sought to deter was, in fact, me. It was a frightful experience that left me trembling with a mixture of humor and terror.

In this endeavor, the rotation of my field is biennial, and I take pride in adopting sustainable practices. I ensure that no harm comes to any cows in the production of my compost. This approach aligns with my commitment to treading lightly upon the earth.

I can’t help but draw a comparison between saffron flowers and women. Like saffron, women are often a perfect embodiment of grace and delicacy on the outside, while their inner strength and complexity hold the potential to evoke both sweetness and a tingling intensity. It’s a profound analogy that resonates with the exquisite beauty and depth of both saffron flowers and the remarkable women in our lives.

@gianfransson