A 100% natural production, craftsmanship, valorisation of the territory and a female enterprise. They are the right ingredients for one high quality saffron. We are in Castiglione Cosentino, in the province of Cosenza, on the slopes of the Sila, where the Linardi sisters, Benedetta and Maria Concetta, they left a secure and stable job in the city to devote themselves to agriculture in an uncultivated land inherited from their grandparents. They went against the tide, deciding to devote themselves to the cultivation of saffron and not to the traditional olive groves and vineyards that are so popular in Calabria. A winning choice that repaid them for the initial sacrifices, thanks also to the support of the University of Calabria.
Many do not know that the cultivation of saffron in Calabria has its roots in a very ancient era, around 1600. Furthermore, the soil and climate were perfect for the production of the precious spice. Hence the choice of the Calabrian sisters to found the Linardi farm, producer of the "King saffron”, whose golden rule is to do agriculture while preserving the nature and biodiversity of the area.
The company began its adventure three years ago, on three hectares of land located on the hill of Castiglione Cosentino, a stone's throw from Cosenza, in a small village of three thousand souls. The land is located in the municipality of Castigliano Cosentino (CS), at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level. While the laboratory where the drying and packaging of the product takes place is located in the heart of the historic center, so as to revitalize the villages of this area.
The "Zafferano del re" brand has a strong link with the history of the city of Cosenza, a reference to King Alaric, ruler of the Visigoths, that before his departure he would have hidden a "treasure" in the city of Bruzia. And for the Calabrian sisters it is their "red gold".
To better understand the cultivation system of this precious product, the Calabrian sisters traveled around Italy visiting the leading companies of this production. Maria Concetta, with a degree in Nutrition Sciences and Benedetta with a degree in Public Administration Sciences, have created a company that currently gives seasonal work to 15 employees, also involving the disabled children of the "Buono-Buono" association of Cosenza. Seasonal because it is a short-term crop: saffron is planted at the end of August and flowers in October.
About 3/4 months a year which however require a great deal of effort, given the fragility of the flower and the pistils which make it impossible to mechanize any phase of the work. The work process, personally supervised by the two sisters, is ientirely done by hand: from the sowing of the bulbs, to the subsequent removal up to the collection of the flowers. For this reason it is one sustainable production, using no chemicals and relying on hand-picking, has no negative impact on the environment. The sowing extends over two hectares, for a production of about three kilos per year.
The very high quality of this product is given by the fusion of modern agronomic techniques and old peasant knowledge. A marriage between tradition and innovation, between history and progress. Their saffron has been rated of first category, the best present not only on the national but also international market, certified by laboratory analyzes carried out by the chemistry department of the University of Calabria. The market value fluctuates between 25-30 euros per gram.
A niche product that finds itself competing with the prices of large foreign producers. But this has not discouraged Benedetta and Maria Concetta, who have managed to start various collaborations with other Calabrian brands, giving life to native and natural products: saffron flavored honey and flour. In the future, the intention is to further expand the range of products offered, creating oregano and hot pepper.
Saffron has a good amount of protein (about 11%) and fiber (about 4%), but it is also rich in minerals and vitamins (especially A,B and C). Components such as safranal, chronic and crossroads confer properties beneficial to human health. For example, it affects mood, reduces the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, enhances memory and has a calming, analgesic and antispasmodic action.
Furthermore, it is a excellent antioxidant, promotes digestive functions and reduces inflammation of the respiratory system. A natural product with innumerable beneficial properties and the ability to flavor every dish with just a few grams. This spice was also used as a dye for precious fabrics or as a natural cosmetic. For example, it is said that Alexander the Great used it as a shampoo and Cleopatra as a beauty cream to give a golden color to his skin.
A story made of courage, passion and family. With great attention to the territory, the Linardi sisters have managed to create a product of the highest quality and bring the production of red gold back to Calabria.
