DOP Navelli saffron is harvested and processed entirely by hand by the Altopiano Cooperative of Navelli, a group of fewer than 100 crocus farmers. When the flowers bloom in October, they are harvested before dawn while the bulbs are closed, so as not to lose any of the precious powder. Each day after picking, the threads are separated by hand and immediately dried over a low-burning fire of neutral wood, like almond or oak, that won’t alter the flavor.
