Saffron, derived from the flower of Crocus sativus L., is one of the most valuable and sought-after spices in the world. This review provides a comprehensive and novel overview of saffron horticultural practices, with a special focus on the innovative potential of its various byproducts. It encompasses the entire cultivation process, including harvesting, postharvest handling, storage, and the challenges faced in its marketing. Moreover, this review brings attention to the often overlooked saffron byproducts (petals, stamens, leaves, corms), which recent studies have shown to contain valuable bioactive compounds. These compounds exhibit significant potential for diverse applications across the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and textile industries. By emphasizing the novel aspects of fully utilizing saffron byproducts, this review contributes to enhancing the value of the saffron production chain and opens new avenues for sustainable agricultural practices.
Lachguer, K. , Boudadi, I. , Lachheb, M. , Beraouz, I. , El Merzougui, S. , Ben El Caid, M. , Lagram, K. and Serghini, M. A. (2025). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Cultivation and Properties: A Review. International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 12(2), 627-646. doi: 10.22059/ijhst.2024.377028.855
MLA
Lachguer, K. , , Boudadi, I. , , Lachheb, M. , , Beraouz, I. , , El Merzougui, S. , , Ben El Caid, M. , , Lagram, K. , and Serghini, M. A. . "Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Cultivation and Properties: A Review", International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 12, 2, 2025, 627-646. doi: 10.22059/ijhst.2024.377028.855
HARVARD
Lachguer, K., Boudadi, I., Lachheb, M., Beraouz, I., El Merzougui, S., Ben El Caid, M., Lagram, K., Serghini, M. A. (2025). 'Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Cultivation and Properties: A Review', International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 12(2), pp. 627-646. doi: 10.22059/ijhst.2024.377028.855
CHICAGO
K. Lachguer , I. Boudadi , M. Lachheb , I. Beraouz , S. El Merzougui , M. Ben El Caid , K. Lagram and M. A. Serghini, "Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Cultivation and Properties: A Review," International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 12 2 (2025): 627-646, doi: 10.22059/ijhst.2024.377028.855
VANCOUVER
Lachguer, K., Boudadi, I., Lachheb, M., Beraouz, I., El Merzougui, S., Ben El Caid, M., Lagram, K., Serghini, M. A. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Cultivation and Properties: A Review. International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 2025; 12(2): 627-646. doi: 10.22059/ijhst.2024.377028.855
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