In addition to food coloring and seasoning, its distinctive qualities have been appreciated
as a textile and wool dye, incense, beauty product, and perfume. Saffron's pharmacological
properties have played a role as a therapeutic agent in cultures of healing due to
antidepressive, antitumoral, and anticarcinogenic effects of certain saffron components.
When it comes to the geography of saffron, Spain is an obvious starting point. Since the
14th century, Spain has been a prominent exporter of the highest quality saffron in the
world. In the past, Spanish saffron was cultivated over a remarkably large surface area. In
the 1970s, it was the world's largest producer of saffron with around 6,000 hectares under
cultivation. Total acreage under cultivation has since decreased to less than 100 hectares.
In spite of the rapid decline in saffron cultivation, a few hundred Spanish farmers
passionately sustain this labor-intensive cottage industry, in part because of the income
derived from their marketable product but also because of their commitment to carrying on
centuries old agricultural practices. Saffron enthusiasts continue to wander through
Castilla-La Mancha on saffron tours in search of the agricultural
landscapes and edibledelights of saffron and to meet saffron growers themselves.
Fiesta de la Rosa del Azafran (Festival of the Saffron Rose),is a celebration dedicated to
the people and places with deep connections to saffron cultivation. The geographical and
cultural characteristics give rise to La Mancha saffron, which is famous for its distinct
aroma and ability to provide intense color to whatever it is added.
The star of the festival is the purple Saffron flower, which provides the vital
canary-yellow hue of Spain's famous paella.
Dating back to 1963, the event aims to promote the cultural identity of La Mancha through
craft, food and competitions. Saffron plays a prominent role in this as around 90% of
Spain's saffron production is from this region.
The Monda competitions are a particular highlight, where participants separate the saffron
spice from the flower, a delicate process that only the nimblest of fingers can achieve.
Held in the town's Plaza de España, there are Monda contests for children, locals and also
experts from other Spanish regions. The National Monda on the final day is worth seeing as
all competitors wear traditional dress from their respective regions.
