Touraine saffron the red gold that enhances your dishes and your well-being

Discover Touraine saffron, the precious spice nicknamed red gold, whose delicate filaments contain a treasure trove of flavours and benefits. From the fields of purple crocuses to the plates of the world’s greatest chefs, each stigma tells the story of a thousand years of exceptional know-how handed down from generation to generation. Let us guide you through the secrets of this mythical spice, from its meticulous cultivation to its surprising virtues, including the best ways to sublimate your dishes.

The fascinating history of red gold in Touraine

Step back in time to the Middle Ages, when the first crocuses were already colouring the lands of Touraine.

Local production: exceptional expertise

Head to the safranières de Touraine to discover the magic of the red gold. Around thirty passionate growers open their doors to you, particularly in October when the crocuses are in bloom. Witness the meticulous harvesting of the mauve flowers, from which each saffron pistil is delicately picked by hand. To produce one gram of dry saffron, our saffron growers patiently harvest almost 150 flowers. A goldsmith’s work rewarded by an incomparable orange-yellow colour and a characteristic bitter taste that make Touraine saffron famous. Our producers use traditional methods that respect the environment, from the bulb to the spice.

Visit to a saffron farm

Discover saffron

Safran de Val

Touraine Truffes et Safran

What are the benefits of this natural antidepressant?

Saffron powder reveals amazing properties on your mental well-being. Scientific studies show that crocin, the major active compound in this spice, naturally acts on serotonin production, giving you a boost of energy and a good mood.

Your mood is restored to equilibrium thanks to the stigmas of these saffron flowers, whose anxiolytic effects are comparable to conventional antidepressants, without their side effects. To enjoy these benefits, a daily infusion is all you need: leave a few filaments to infuse protected from light in a cup of hot water.

Beyond its medicinal properties, saffron also fights free radicals thanks to its antioxidant power. An age-old spice that takes care of your health, body and mind.

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How do you use saffron in cooking?

Sublimate your dishes with a few filaments of Touraine saffron. To reveal all its aromas, infuse your pistils the day before in a little warm water or white wine. A pinch is enough: count 3 to 4 stigmas per person to flavour a risotto or sauce.

Master its preparation by adding a drop of lemon or a drizzle of cream to your infusion. Saffron then reveals its subtle notes of honey and precious wood. Dare to combine it with your desserts: a saffron rice pudding takes on an oriental sweetness, while a crème brûlée is dressed in gold and mystery.

Store your precious filaments in an airtight container, away from light. This way, their colouring power and aromas will stay with you for several years.

Where can you find Touraine's precious saffron?

A gourmet market brings to life the place de l’Hôtel de Ville in Tours every Christmas Eve. The region’s saffron growers showcase their golden treasures, the perfect opportunity to chat about their production secrets. At La Tour-Saint-Gelin, push open the door of the magnificent Safran de Val boutique. Valérie welcomes you all year round for a tasting of her saffron range: honeys, jams, delicately scented biscuits. Take the road to Cheillé, where Truffes et Safran de Touraine offers cooking workshops in small groups. In October, even take part in harvesting the flowers and pruning the pistils, a unique experience at the heart of the saffron farm.