About Us – The Story of PannonBloom
PannonBloom is a family-run farm, where saffron cultivation and processing are carried out exclusively by our family members. For us, this is not just work; it is a passion and a calling: bringing back a centuries-old Hungarian tradition with a modern approach and a commitment to pure values.
Only few people know that in the early 20th century, Hungary was a global leader in saffron production. However, due to the wars and economic changes, this noble tradition nearly disappeared, along with the culture of saffron consumption.
At PannonBloom, we aim to revive this heritage. On our saffron fields, we exclusively use original, Moorish-origin Spanish saffron bulbs, which trace their lineage back to the 1400s when they were introduced to Europe from North Africa through the Arab world. These bulbs are not Dutch clones – as evidenced by their unique characteristics: longer stigmas, more intense color, and richer aroma and flavor.
We handle every step of the cultivation process by hand. Our saffron bulbs are individually planted by hand, and we only use natural nutrients, such as worm humus and compost. No chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers are used, so our saffron is of organic quality. The special sandy soil, which becomes hot in the summer and cool in the winter, creates the perfect environment for the plants to develop, enhancing the flavor, color, and aromatic compounds.
Harvesting takes place every autumn in November, lasting for about three weeks. Each morning, we carefully pick the flowers by hand, selecting only those that are in the ideal developmental stage and contain the highest quality stigmas. Within five hours of harvesting, the stigmas are delicately separated from the petals, after which they are carefully dried using our unique method.
The PannonBloom drying process is a gentle and precise technique aimed at preserving the saffron’s color, flavor, and aroma. This ensures that our saffron’s scent, taste, and color are of exceptional intensity – each thread embodies the unique strength of the Hungarian soil.
The quality of our products is tested by an independent ISO 3632 certified laboratory. The results of our saffron exceed international standards, surpassing most imported saffron available on the market in terms of crocin (color), picrocrochin (taste), and safranal (aroma) values. Additionally, we test six more quality parameters to ensure the highest level of excellence in every batch.
Our saffron is stored in dark glass containers to maintain its original quality for an extended period.
We believe that the harmony between nature's power and careful human attention is what creates the unparalleled quality we offer. Our saffron is not just a spice – it’s an experience, a tradition, and a promise of a sustainable future.
PannonBloom – Unmatched quality. Ethically produced. Sustainably crafted in Hungary.
