Pampore: India's Saffron Capital, A Legacy of 'Red Gold' Cultivation

• Pampore, in Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir, is India's saffron capital, renowned for its high-quality Kashmiri saffron.
• Saffron cultivation in Pampore has a history of over a thousand years, thriving due to its cold, dry climate, elevated Karewa plateau, and well-drained soil.
• Kashmiri saffron is distinguished by its deep red threads, intense aroma, vibrant color, and rich content of crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin.
• The spice is hand-picked, sun-dried, and holds a GI tag, ensuring its authenticity and protecting it from counterfeits.
• Saffron, often called 'red gold,' is vital to the local economy, supporting thousands of families, and is used in various Indian traditions, from cuisine to Ayurveda.

Why It Matters: Pampore, J&K, is India's saffron capital, producing world-renowned 'red gold' with a rich history and GI tag.