The valley of Kashmir is best known for its high-quality saffron, derived from the crocus flower and cultivated just 15 kilometers from the city of Srinagar.

Footage from November 5 shows the delicate purple flower being harvested by locals in vast fields. The purple blossom marks the start of winter in Kashmir.

Separation of the stigmas from the petals and stamens needs to be done as soon after picking as possible. Most locals pick the flowers by hand and bring them inside to separate. However, some pick the stigmas directly out of the flowers using tweezers.

Sold all across the globe, according to local media, market demand for the world's most expensive spice has been a decline, partially now due to COVID-19.

"Kashmiri saffron is the legend of the saffron species where it has grown in the fields of Pampore for close to 2,500 years. The name Pampore is derived from Padmapur, meaning lotus city," the filmer told Newsflare.

world famous saffron is cultivated 15 kms from the city of Srinagar in Pampore town
Most exotic variety of saffron is grown by locals and is harvested in the autumn season
The product is sold all across the globe.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is the place where saffron is predominately cultivated in India. In fact Kashmir is considered one of the three prominent cultivating places of saffron all over the world. Kashmiri saffron is seen as the legend of the saffron species where it has been grown in the fields of Pampore near Srinagar for close to 2500 years. (The name pampore is derived from Padmapur meaning (lotus city).

According to historical evidences, saffron was brought to India by the Persian rulers around 500.B.C. The Persian rulers transplanted the Persian saffron crocus corns to the Kashmiri soils, once they conquered Kashmir.