Zafferano di Dardago

Our company uses organic farming techniques

In Friuli Venezia Giulia, located in the foothills of the Pordenone province, precisely in the small village of Dardago, is where the first saffron plantations in the region were established in 2012.
Inspired by an old variety of the spice in the late 80s, I decided to start the production and commercialization of the spice.
Currently, the the largest productions of Saffron in the Region are located in the municipalities of Alto Livenza.

With only a few grams produced in 2012, we were able to produce an exceptional product praised by some award winning chefs in the area such as Giovanni Fabbro (Harry’s Bar) and Luca Manfè (Masterchef Winner 2013).
In 2014 the Zafferano di Dardago obtained the first quality certification ISO 3632-2: 2010 which places it among the best saffron in Italy.

Our saffron has a hilly microclimate and characteristic loose and draining soils of the foothills to thank for its excellence. These provide optimum conditions for the cultivation of this precious flower.
The Zambon Agricultural Company was founded with the Saffron of Dardago in 2012 alongside other crops such as garlic, aromatic plants, and pharmaceutical plants. These crops are all produced respecting the environment and in a completely natural way.
Our company, in fact, uses organic farming techniques and is particularly attentive to the recovery of marginal and abandoned areas of the territory.
The project represents a vision, a symbol of love for one’s own land and an opportunity to share and spread, collaborating with various other practices in the area.
 

Saffron, the harvest

At about 60 days after the planting of the bulbs, the flowering begins, and so the harvest.
From mid-October to mid-November for about 20 days, flowers are collected daily. It has to be done early in the morning before the flowers open and therefore expose the three strands of the stigma which result in loss of quality of the final product.
It is a very delicate process, done in most cases manually, with a cut at the base of the flower by pressing the thumbnail on the forefinger.
 

Beautiful off-the-beaten-track places in Friuli Venezia Giulia

In the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, in the province of Pordenone, there is an enchanting place with Venetian echoes. Plains and hills meet; a river flows placidly and ponds can be found here and there.
Enchanting pasts emerge between archaeological sites and medieval castles, Venetian villas, and Renaissance palaces
The land of Altolivenza opens its doors to show off their unique jewels
https://www.altolivenza.eu/
 

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