Red gold

Red gold
San Gimignano (SI)
Magazine: October 2007

The yellow gold of San Gimignano is the most carefully guarded Italian Dop product.

A whole working cycle of the Saffron of San Gimignano is produced inside the prison of the medieval village in the province of Sienna. From the bulb selection to the fl ower gathering in early morning, to the peeling, drying and packaging, each phase is carried out by the inmates. Documents show cultivation in San Gimignano since the beginning of 200 with a variety of uses: a dye for wool and fabrics, in pharmacopoeia as a sleeping aid and antispasmodic and also in paints. Cultivation in San Gimignano was reintroduced in 1999 by the association “Il Croco” with involvement from the Qualivita foundation and contributions by the Provincial Administrations of Sienna and the Tuscany Region. At the end of October the famous city will dedicate an exhibition to the exalted yellow gold, drawing public attention to the cultural aspects linked to its consumption and its culinary features. The pure Crocus Sativus, better known as saffron, is actually red and only when soaked in water does it take on its characteristic yellow gold colour.