The Red Gold of the Val d’Orcia”

Saffron from the Val d’Orcia has been known since ancient times—a spice that disappeared for centuries, only to return and once again enhance both traditional and contemporary flavors.

The Val d’Orcia, a land of renowned wines and age-old culinary traditions, holds within its landscapes outstanding products that continue to surprise visitors. One such example is saffron, the precious spice that brings the golden hue of the sun to every dish.

Saffron, derived from the flowers of Crocus sativus, is anything but foreign to this area. It was cultivated here in the Middle Ages and, much like the vineyards of Montalcino, was already considered a symbol of wealth and a valuable commodity for trade. Its cultivation continued until the 16th century, when production ceased and saffron vanished from the Val d’Orcia for several centuries.

Today, the cultivation of Crocus has been rediscovered, and saffron is once again produced exclusively by hand within the boundaries of the Val d’Orcia Park.

What makes saffron so special is undoubtedly its vibrant colors—both intense and delicate at once. From October to November, purple flowers carpet the fields in a soft, colorful layer, protecting the red stigmas from which the spice is extracted. Once used in cooking, this saffron gives dishes a bright, beautiful golden-yellow hue.

One traditional dish where its delicate flavor truly shines is tripe with saffron. Even more intriguing are the innovative combinations in which this spice is used to craft unique varieties of beer and honey—unmissable for those seeking new and unexpected flavors.

Saffron is a romantic ingredient, thanks to the magic of its colors and the legend it carries: according to myth, two lovers, separated by an impossible fate, were transformed into plants by the gods. The man’s name was Krocus.

In this sense, saffron belongs wholeheartedly to the Val d’Orcia—a land steeped in romanticism that embraces its landscapes and has enchanted film directors and celebrities over the years, who chose it as a movie set or a dream wedding location.