Saffron, the "world's most expensive spice", has been harvested

Saffron harvest was carried out within the framework of "Saffron Project Promotion on the Way to Branding" in Safranbolu district of Karabük.

Speaking at the program, initiated by the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry in collaboration with the Safranbolu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (STSO), Karabük Governor Mustafa Yavuz emphasized the region's suitability for cultivating medicinal aromatic plants. Under the coordination of Safranbolu District Governorship, the Medicinal Aromatic Plants Project was launched. Governor Yavuz stressed the need for collective support in the branding journey, highlighting saffron as a spice with national geographical indication.

The European Union continues its journey. If I remember correctly, the announcement period ends on December 7th. Unless there is an objection, we will have a product that will actually get its geographical indication on the European Union basis and perhaps become the first spice with the European Union geographical indication in that category, in the spice category. This aspect is also very valuable. But another important point is that we need to put saffron first and look for new siblings with saffron, we should not leave saffron alone, we need to support saffron with other medicinal and aromatic plants.”

Reminding that there was a lavender project implemented in the past years, Yavuz said, "Actually, it is one of the most beautiful brothers, we need to support saffron with new plants that will grow in this climate and this geography, and products with high added value. After creating this awareness, we need to ensure sustainability."

Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Çetin Ayvalık stated that it is extremely important for Safranbolu saffron to be protected from commercial concerns and to preserve its genetic resources and transfer it to future generations. Ayvalık evaluated, "The breeding studies that have been initiated in large areas in different geographies of Anatolia in recent years require us to make rapid progress in this regard."

Safranbolu TSO Assembly President Cengiz Ünal noted that the saffron plant is one of the most precious and precious plants of the region. Explaining that the point they have brought with the joint project with institutions is a very good and correct thing, Ünal said:

"We have a very nice landscaping project in the area we are located in May next year. We will present our landscaping project, our environmental walls, and the walking paths between our saffron garden and lavender garden to our Karabük and Safranbolu."

After the speeches, Governor Yavuz and his entourage made a presentation from the molasses cauldron, and then a saffron collection and sorting competition was held. The contestants first collected saffron with baskets in their hands, and then sorted the saffron they collected. Governor Yavuz, Safranbolu District Governor Şaban Arda Yazıcı, AK Party Karabük MPs Cem Şahin and Ali Keskinkılıç and other protocol members gave plaques to the winners of the competition.