KOZANI

Kozani Crocus

The affordable “red gold”.

The Kozani Crocus, known worldwide as "Krokos Kozanis," sprouts from a small, round bulb planted in late summer or early autumn. Its delicate purple flowers each hold three precious red-gold stigma strands, the heart of the prized saffron spice.

The unique properties of this product are a result of the region's ideal conditions:  warm temperate climate, abundance of sunlight, well-tended fields, and fertile, well-drained soil. Coupled with the local cultivators expertise and traditional methods it's a recipe for the exceptional quality of the product! 

Krokos Kozanis is a culinary treasure with an unmatched aroma, taste and vibrant golden hue. This versatile spice isn't used solely for cooking purposes; it's also used in distilleries, dairy products and beyond. Its colouring power, verified by laboratory reports, is by 45 points higher than the minimum international colouring standard for all types of saffron.

The word “crocus”

Etymologically, the word crocus derives from the Greek word “króki” = “κρόκη”, which means weft, the thread/yarn used for weaving on a loom and transforming it into textile fabric.

Fun Fact: Legend has it that Krokos was a cherished companion of Hermes, the Greek god known as Mercury. One day, while the two friends were playing a game of disc-throwing, Mercury accidentally hit and woonded fatally Krokos on the head. As the young man was dying, three drops of his blood fell on a nearby flower, transforming its heart into the three stigmata that would forever bear his name.

Where you can find it and how to use it

You will be amazed by the innumerable benefits of crocus. Get ready to use it on your new culinary adventures!
  • Infuse a few threads in a cup of water, but remember that crocus dislikes heat and it will refrain from lending you its colour and aroma if sunk into hot water.
  • Cook with red Greek crocus and indulge in its excellent flavour. But bear in mind that, unlike other spices, a good pinch is more than enough for adding flavour and colour to most dishes.
  • Crocus is available in the market both in threads and in powder. People tend to prefer threads, as they keep aroma and colour for much longer. Besides, you can easily crush the threads into powder.
  • Quality crocus adds rich golden colour and flavour to foods when used sparingly. There is a long list of foods where you can unleash the magic of Krokos Kozanis, ranging from cheese products such as cottage cheese and parmesan, to soups, chicken and meat, various spirits, pasta and rice.

The world’s most unique and precious spice!

Since ancient times, crocus has been renowned for its aroma and vibrant colour, but mostly for its pharmaceutical and aphrodisiac properties. Homer referred to it in his writings, while Cleopatra used it in her cosmetics. Try to include crocus in your daily life and you’ll be amazed by the myriad benefits you’ll gain:
  1. Crocus in general is an excellent stimulant. The healing properties of the plant are also countless! Its highly anti-inflammatory and its profound antioxidant properties have been proved true for long.
  2. It also prevents platelet aggregation and improves cerebral function.
  3. It enables lowering cholesterol, improving digestion, preventing nausea and soothing infant teething while its cancer preventive properties are being researched.