Saffron Crocus

The saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), is the source of saffron, the world’s most expensive spice. It is prized primarily for its flavour in cookery.

Its long association with Saffron Walden is obvious. The town was renamed from Chepyng Walden at some point in the 16th century and images of crocuses can be seen on the town’s coat of arms, decorating buildings and the school badge of the High School. The Gibson Library’s Local Studies collection contains many books and articles about the saffron crocus, both about its local impact and its modern medicinal uses.