The cultivation of saffron has many profits for countries which caused we have many producers and exporters in the world. Saffron is a spice with a strong aroma and unique color. Preliminary evidence suggests that saffron may boost mood, increase libido, and fight oxidative stress. Saffron is generally considered safe for most people, and it is very easy to incorporate it into the diet. Because saffron is expensive, it is difficult to harvest. Farmers must cut the fine filaments from each flower by hand. Then they heat the strands and process them to bring out the flavor of saffron. This extra work makes saffron one of the most expensive spices in the world. Prevent nervous system disorders The antioxidants in saffron can play a role in protecting the body from diseases that affect the nervous system. Saffron comes from the thread-like structure of the Crocus sativus flower, which is called the stigma. The stigmas are red and when dry, the spice is a golden color that is used to flavor food and color foods and other products. 
The reason for this high value is the labor-intensive method of harvesting, in which each flower is hand-picked and dried over a coal fire. Saffron is used to flavoring many Mediterranean and Asian dishes, and it originated in Greece and is mainly grown in Iran but can be found in Spain, France, Italy, and parts of India. It has a strong aroma and bitter taste that is commonly used to flavor and color rice, fish, and chicken dishes. In Greece, it was used for its medicinal properties and people ate saffron to improve mood, improve memory, and increase libido. Health benefits Although saffron has not been extensively studied, it does have some great health benefits. Many people add it to food, but it can also be taken as a supplement. Here are some of the potential benefits of saffron. material benefits Saffron contains many plant compounds that act as powerful antioxidants and protect cells from free radicals and oxidative stress that can lead to cancer. 
Crocin and crocetin are two of the antioxidants responsible for the vibrant red color of saffron. These compounds have antidepressant effects, protect brain cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and reduce appetite. Saffron is what gives saffron its distinct taste and aroma. Evidence points to its ability to improve mood and memory and help protect the brain from oxidative stress. Test tube studies have shown that saffron and its antioxidant compounds kill or inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells. Studies also show that saffron can help treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which are physical and psychological symptoms that can occur before menstruation begins. One study showed that women who took 30 mg of saffron daily reduced irritability, headaches, cravings, and pain. Additionally, saffron was more effective than taking a placebo. In addition, animal and test-tube studies have indicated the effectiveness of saffron in reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and preventing blockages in blood vessels. Saffron can lower blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity, as shown in rat studies. Although these results are promising, more research on humans is needed before saffron supplements can be recommended for certain health conditions. However, some previous studies are showing that the antioxidants in saffron tea may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers also noted that the flavonoids in saffron may also provide protection. 
Saffron producers
Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, and as a result of the popularity of this little purple flower, many countries and their producers have begun to cultivate it. Saffron is grown and harvested by hand, it is very delicate and then dried well. The method of drying and harvesting saffron determines its quality. But which country produces the best saffron? In this article, we would like to discuss the Top 5 Saffron and Wholesale Saffron Producing Countries. The total global production of saffron is about 300 tons per year. Iran, India, Spain, and Greece are the largest saffron-producing countries and Iran has the largest area and contributes about 88% of the saffron production in the world. However, India occupies the second largest area but produces about 7 percent of the total world production.
- Iran
Iran is the largest producer of high-quality saffron in the world. The country is responsible for 95% of the world's saffron production. Thanks to the country's varied climate and fertile soil, make it a prime location for saffron cultivation. The main producer of saffron in Iran belongs to Khorasan Province, which produces most of the saffron in Iran. Also, Iranians have brought saffron-based products like saffron candy, saffron tea, saffron sugar candy, saffron cake powder, etc.
- India
India is the second largest producer of saffron. Especially Kashmir. The elevation and favorable climate of Kashmir make it ideal for harvesting delicious saffron which has a wonderful aroma and taste. 
- Spain
Spain has third place in our top 5 saffron-producing countries. Most Spanish saffron grows in the La Mancha region. However, saffron grown in Spain has a milder flavor and aroma. Spanish saffron includes Cream and Spanish Superior.
- Greece
Greece ranks fourth in the list of the top 5 saffron-producing countries. The quality of saffron coming from the Greece cooperative is the best, and many countries like it. You can buy bulk saffron from saffron manufacturers in Greece.
- Morocco
Morocco also has a share in the production of saffron. Most of the saffron produced in Morocco comes from the Talion region, which is located in the south of the country with an excellent climate and ideal soil for saffron cultivation. to remember; The 5 largest saffron-producing countries produce saffron in different grades and prices. Additionally, saffron can be purchased directly from wholesale manufacturers such as Esfaden. conclusion In this article, we have discussed the top 5 saffron-producing countries in the world. Iran tops the list. Saffron is the best and most popular in Iran and comes in several different grades. be sure about the seller's legitimacy, if you are ordering saffron online. However, there are several ways in which you can spot fake saffron. Saffron is profitable to grow if you have the land and knowledge for it, it can be the best flower to grow because it requires little care, but is very profitable. 
Saffron exporters
Saffron is one of the most expensive and valuable spices in the world which helped exporters gain good money from it. Apart from its use as a spice in food, it is also widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. This product (saffron) enjoys one of the most widespread commercial markets all over the world in such a way that the saffron trade is one of the most economical and profitable global trades for saffron exporters. Apart from the countries that used to grow saffron in the past, today many countries are grown in different parts of the world to enter the global market as exporters of saffron and gain profitable business. Meanwhile, Iran is known as the largest producer of saffron in the world. Factors affecting the quality of saffron It is best to grow saffron in cool areas of high quality. This is one of the main factors to distinguish between high-quality and low-grade saffron. The colder the area, the higher the quality of the saffron. 
Saffron can grow in cold regions and is very resistant to cold weather; Saffron seeds can grow at temperatures below 40°C. It is also suitable for arid and semi-arid lands where it requires less water than other agricultural products. Iran, as the largest producer and exporter of saffron, has the most favorable environment for saffron cultivation. High-quality saffron can be marketed if handled properly after harvest which is another important factor in saffron production and processing. Iranian saffron is considered one of the finest saffron in the world due to its favorable climate and rich soil, as well as being stored with great care after harvest in the past. Saffron should be stored in a glass container away from sunlight and moisture after harvesting and drying. If the cardinal points are not followed, it will lose its essence and taste. Therefore, it will be of low quality and low quality. It should be noted that high-quality dry saffron is not very fragrant. However, when it is soaked in water, it gives off a strong aroma and great taste. Saffron exporting countries can maintain the quality of saffron by following the principles of saffron preparation and storage. Hence, they will be known as the world's top-ranked producers and exporters of saffron. Global saffron production volume 
Iran produced and exported about 105 tons of saffron in 2018. This amount has increased by 40 percent compared to previous years. Iran is currently the first and largest producer of saffron in the world. You may want to know > all about customs duties for exporting saffron Iran's share of saffron producers worldwide is 44 percent in the global market. 105 tons of saffron is the quantity that Iran exports and does not include the consumption of local saffron in Iran. Therefore, the amount of saffron production in the country is much higher than the above figures. It should also be noted that Iran, as the number one producer of saffron, does not use the full potential of arable land to grow saffron. This is because unfortunately saffron production is not regulated in Iran. Therefore, Iran can increase its income in the world market by producing its high-quality saffron with proper planning and support from farmers. Ranking of saffron-producing countries Iran and Spain are two countries with a long history of saffron production and use in their culture and are among the first and oldest exporters of saffron in the world. The saffron-producing countries including these two countries are discussed below. 1st place: Iran's saffron According to the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Jihad, Iran's share of saffron production in the world is about 95-92 percent. However, a large amount of production is not recorded globally, for example, domestic consumption which is not recorded in global statistics. The volume of saffron exports to Iran in 2020 is estimated to be about 500 tons. Evidence is that the numbers are declining. In 2018, Iran's share of the global saffron market was 36.7 percent and was valued at $101.32 million. This is a 10% decrease from the previous year. 
Saffron cultivation
In saffron cultivation, saffron is collected from the flowers of Crocus sativus (Iridaceae), better known as saffron or saffron bulbs. It is propagated by follicles called worms. Each corm produces new follicles; thus, the plant multiplies. The saffron flowers bloom in the fall and are harvested because of the red stigma we all know as saffron thread, from which the spice is derived. Each flower produces three stigmas and is carefully picked by hand. The flowers should be picked before noon because they wither easily. This process is tedious and complicated. This explains why the spice of saffron is so important that it is called red gold. Saffron is grown in Iran, India, Afghanistan, Italy, France, New Zealand, Pennsylvania, Spain, Portugal, Greece, parts of Morocco, Turkey, and China. Due to the distribution of this plant in different parts of the world, saffron cultivation techniques may also vary depending on the climate, soil type, planting depth, and shrub spacing. Soil Crocus sativus grows in many different soil types but grows best in humus-rich, well-drained calcareous soils with a pH between 6 and 8. Keep in mind that during the dry season in fall and spring, you should be able to water the land. If you are growing crocuses in moist or semi-humid soil types, you should make sure that your soil is well drained to prevent rot or infection during wet weather. 
the climate Saffron crop covered with snow To grow saffron, we need a clear summer and winter with temperatures ranging from 35°C or 40°C in summer to -15°C or -20°C in winter. Hence, saffron can be grown in arid, temperate, and continental climate types but not in tropical or polar climate types. Because saffron is a heat-tolerant bulbous plant, dry and hot summer will not be a problem. However, during extreme winter temperatures, it may be possible for the leaves to freeze, causing less worm growth and thus producing fewer flowers and fewer crocuses. When severe frost threatens to invade your crocus field, it is wise to cover the plants with straw or fibrous cloth for protection until the frost subsides. In dry spring weather conditions, watering is essential. During this period, regular rainfall is beneficial for the development of worms, as it means increased production of flowers and Carmelites (daughter monkeys). Planting When planting saffron seedlings for the first time, choose a virgin plot, if possible (if not, then at least none in the last 10 years) no other saffron tubers or corms have not been planted before. 
Before planting, it is advisable to deepen the soil by 20-50 cm so that the beds for the plant remain loose and well ventilated, adding compost during the process. This soil type in Spain requires preparation for planting, in particular. For the cultivation of saffron, it is best to plant the corms on raised beds to ensure watering and drainage. As soon as the leaves begin to grow, watering should be minimal. Sowing is done by hand or by machine in July, August, and September, and harvesting takes place from late October to mid-November, about eight weeks after planting. Crocuses are sun-worshiping plants so they prefer to grow in dry open fields rather than shade. In general, the army is planted at a depth of 7-15 cm in the soil. The deeper it is planted, the less it will grow, the lower the yield, but the higher the quality of the flowers produced.