See the life in red during your holidays in entre deux-mers!

Discover Bordeaux & Gironde

Today I suggest you visit a unique place and the discovery of a precious product: Saffron! Chantal and Thierry from Safran de Garonne, are based in L'Entre-deux-Mers, between Rions and Cadillac. In 2012, they decided to revive this small mauve flower, in this winemaking land, which, in the Middle-Ages, was

already growing saffron! So, would you like to know more on this subtle and heady spice?

Saffron, a medicinal and tinctorial product, and a condiment

Saffron is a bulb, the Crucus Sativus, planted in July and harvested in October. From the bulb, comes out a beautiful and delicate mauve flower, which is also demanding, as it must be harvested the day it blooms. It is both easy and laborious to cultivate, as saffron resists well to the drought and is satisfied with rainwater, but requires a careful manual harvest.

If the flower is attractive, it is its pistil that is sought after! Since Antiquity, saffron has been used for its medicinal virtues: it heals respiratory diseases and gastric issues. It has cancer treating and antioxidant properties! It is a remedy which would be miraculous and largely democratised, if its price was not so high ... Its high price comes from the difficulty of cultivating and harvesting it: delicate and fragile, the saffron pistil must be pruned by hand and dried with the greatest care, to avoid mildew and oxidation.

Saffron was know to monks and artists, for its proprieties as a pigment, its colour from oranges to yellows, is vibrant and powerful, close to gold. It was also used to dye clothes and during the 19th century, there were many safranières in Europe. They progressively disappeared, mainly due to diseased crops and the dominance of other produce.

The small pistil is making a strong comeback!

Today, the safranières are rejuvenated, thanks to the patience of passionate people like Chantal and Thierry, who respectively love wine and botany (they know what they are talking about in terms of flavour and agriculture!). Their safranière “Le Safran de Garonne” is open to visitors, based on the principle of the French label "Bienvenue à la Ferme", which means that you are paying a small contribution, to discover the way they farm, their products and the shop! It is a place to learn, share and be friends if you like unique tourist activities. It will please the whole family; there are ... some things to taste... yum yum!

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Approximately ten minutes from Libourne and Saint-Emilion, we recommend you visit the safranière Terr'a Safran. A family run winemaking company that, since 2013, has successfully diversified their activities! Tours are possible and it is a pleasure to learn about the vine and this so subtle spice... Note that a free campervan stopover

is available (with toilets).

Check their details on Guide Bordeaux Gironde to organise your visit!

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During the summer they organise events such as tea parties and aperitifs (for 5 or 7 euros). Chantal is a really good cook who loves to use her products and you can try them in pastries or in her cuisine! They sell saffron, but also transform it, in syrups, jams, salted condiments and other small delicacies. It is the occasion to renew your recipes and use in your cuisine, this spice so precious and delicate...

With the comeback of seasonal cooking, the local safranières have become very attractive. If you like cooking with good produce and trying new flavours, what do you think of saffron?

Find Chantal, Thierry and the products of Safran de la Garonne in the regional markets, Estate open days and of course, in the safraniere! Chemin Profond, 33410 Béguey. Contact-them via their website or Facebook Page.