AMMAN — Jordanian farmer
Bisher Al-Thunaibat inaugurated the first farm in the Kingdom to cultivate
Moabite saffron, which is threatened with extinction, Khaberni reported.
اضافة اعلان
The farm was opened after four years
of work.
Moabite saffron is an
endangered wild saffron, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red
List of Threatened Species, and it grows only in Jordan and Palestine.
Thunaibat said that saffron is a low-risk
crop and is not affected by frost or high temperatures. It can also live for a
whole year without irrigation, surviving on very low rainfall and flourishing
between -15°C and 45°C.
He added that it is one of the most
expensive spices in the world.
The idea came to Thunaibat after
observing Moabite saffron growing in the harsh environment of southern Jordan
without any care. He learned more about it, hoping to improve its quality and
production.
He added that he learned from mistakes
at the beginning of the project before gaining enough experience to cultivate
them correctly.
Thunaibat said that it takes 150,000
saffron flowers to harvest one kilogram of saffron and that stems must be
separated from flowers by hand, without any mechanical aid.
Harvesting begins in October and runs
to the end of December.
Thunaibat explained that saffron
production increases by itself annually, as the bulbs inside the soil can
multiply nearly sevenfold within four years. He can either sell the excess
bulbs or use them to produce more saffron.
He added that the four main benefits
of saffron are scientifically proven. The first is the treatment of
inflammation, as saffron contains high levels of antioxidants. It can fight
cancer cells, especially in cases of colon cancer and the digestive system.
Saffron is also an effective
antidepressant and an aphrodisiac, he added.
Thunaibat advised consumers not to buy
cheap types of saffron, as “cheap saffron” does not exist, and the purchase
should be done through trusted sources only.
Read more National news
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
