Meet the "gold" of the Greek land
A few kilometers outside the city of Kozani, the Kozani Saffron Producers Cooperative opens its doors to visitors who want to get to know one of the most valuable spices in the world. Krokos Kozanis PDO is a high value product, thanks to its intense colouring and aromatic properties, but also thanks to its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and tonic action, according to several studies.
The protected designation of origin (PDO) guarantees that all stages of the production, processing and preparation process take place in the area. The Cooperative was founded in 1971 and has about 1,000 members. It has the exclusive right to the collection, packaging and marketing of Krokos Kozanis, which ensures the authenticity and high quality of this special product.
The guided tour of the Cooperative, lasting 45-60 minutes, highlights the life cycle of saffron, from the planting and collection of sensitive flowers, to the standardisation, processing and disposal of the final product. The experience is complemented by a photographic exhibition presenting the evolution of the crop and the traditional techniques of the producers.
You will also taste authentic saffron products and get to know its numerous uses from gastronomy and confectionery to pharmacy and beverage production.
If you visit the area during the months of October-November, you may have the possibility to wander through the fields during the harvest. It is a manual process, which is demanding and extremely impressive.
The Cooperative is now a living cell of the local economy. It plays a central role in product quality assurance and invests in scientific research, laboratory tests and cultivation studies. At the same time, it trains producers and applies modern standardisation practices.
The protected designation of origin (PDO) guarantees that all stages of the production, processing and preparation process take place in the area. The Cooperative was founded in 1971 and has about 1,000 members. It has the exclusive right to the collection, packaging and marketing of Krokos Kozanis, which ensures the authenticity and high quality of this special product.
The guided tour of the Cooperative, lasting 45-60 minutes, highlights the life cycle of saffron, from the planting and collection of sensitive flowers, to the standardisation, processing and disposal of the final product. The experience is complemented by a photographic exhibition presenting the evolution of the crop and the traditional techniques of the producers.
You will also taste authentic saffron products and get to know its numerous uses from gastronomy and confectionery to pharmacy and beverage production.
If you visit the area during the months of October-November, you may have the possibility to wander through the fields during the harvest. It is a manual process, which is demanding and extremely impressive.
The Cooperative is now a living cell of the local economy. It plays a central role in product quality assurance and invests in scientific research, laboratory tests and cultivation studies. At the same time, it trains producers and applies modern standardisation practices.
