Harvest of saffron in Torbat-e Heydarieh

Harvesting of saffron, also known as "Red Gold", is underway in Iran’s Torbat-e Heydarieh, the top Saffron producer in the world.

Saffron dates back 3,000 years. The old spice is derived from dried stigmas of crocus sativus flowers.

Due to its color, scent and impressive health benefits, saffron is one of the most expensive foodstuffs.

Here are photos showing the picking process of saffron in the farms of Torbat-e Heydarieh in Razavi Khorasan Province in northeastern Iran.

SQ/MG