Wasim Sahibzada, a fourth-generation saffron farmer from Kashmir, is cultivating saffron in Santa Clara Valley, blending tradition with modern agricultural practices to enrich the local community.
Wasim Sahibzada, a fourth-generation farmer hailing from a distinguished saffron-producing family in Kashmir, India, carries a legacy steeped in passion and expertise in saffron cultivation. This deep-rooted connection has inspired him to continue his family’s proud tradition in the Bay Area.
To support Wasim in his saffron-farming journey, the Open Space Authority has leased him a one-acre plot in Coyote Valley, located just south of San José. This opportunity allows Wasim to introduce the rich heritage of saffron cultivation to the Santa Clara Valley, contributing to the region’s vital agricultural landscape.
A saffron flower is intricately linked to its bulb, known as a “corm.” Each corm can produce one to three flowers simultaneously and has the potential to yield additional flowers one to two more times during the harvest season. The saffron threads, which are the coveted spice, are derived from the red stigmas of these flowers.
Once celebrated as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” due to its abundance of fruit orchards, much of Santa Clara Valley’s active agricultural land is situated between San José and Morgan Hill. Farmers and ranchers in this region work tirelessly to cultivate the land, producing fresh food that boosts the economy and fosters healthier communities. However, contemporary farmers face numerous challenges that threaten their ability to sustain a livelihood.
The Open Space Authority is dedicated to preserving this crucial farmland and supporting farmers like Wasim by providing affordable land for culturally significant and sustainable farming practices. While saffron may not be a conventional crop for the area, it is individuals like Wasim, with their passion, integrity, and commitment to farming, who inspire the Authority to continue its efforts to safeguard Santa Clara Valley’s agricultural legacy.
Saffron, scientifically known as Crocus sativus, originates from a striking purple flower that grows from a round, bulbous seed called a “corm.” During each harvest season, a corm can sprout one to three flowers. If a flower is plucked, it can reproduce one to two additional times before entering dormancy for the winter. The red stigmas, or saffron “threads,” are carefully detached from the flower and dried for use as a spice, dye, fragrance, or medicinal ingredient.
Historically, saffron was introduced to the Kashmir region of India around 500 B.C. Today, Kashmir remains the second-largest producer of saffron globally. Traditionally, saffron is used to enhance the color and flavor of various dishes, including rice, desserts, and teas. It is also believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mood-enhancing properties, making it a highly sought-after remedy in Ayurvedic, Persian, and Chinese medicinal practices, as well as a popular ingredient in modern cosmetics. For many cultures, saffron’s golden-red hue symbolizes sacredness, vitality, and good fortune, often featuring in religious rituals, festivals, and celebrations. For Wasim, saffron embodies family and tradition.
In 2024, Wasim continued his family’s legacy by planting saffron corms at his Bay Area home. “California has the ideal temperatures, conditions, and soil for saffron cultivation,” he remarked. This crop typically thrives in regions with dry summers, cool winters, and well-drained soil. However, growing saffron is no simple task; it demands a labor of love that Wasim is continually striving to refine.
“Saffron is more than just a spice; it’s a labor-intensive crop that carries centuries of cultural, medicinal, and culinary heritage,” Wasim explained. “Cultivating it requires patience, care, and respect for the land, and its value reflects both its rarity and the dedication behind every thread.”
Once his initial saffron corms bloomed, Wasim aimed to expand his cultivation efforts. However, finding a suitable plot of land for saffron farming proved challenging due to the competitive and costly agricultural market. Undeterred, Wasim networked within agricultural circles to garner support for his new venture. Eventually, he connected with Julie Morris, Santa Clara County’s Agricultural Liaison, who introduced him to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.
“Wasim is a perfect example of how Santa Clara County continues to be a land of opportunity, not only for tech entrepreneurs but also for innovative and young farmers,” Morris stated. “The Authority’s support of young farmers like Wasim underscores their commitment to protecting the most important remaining farmlands in Coyote Valley while creating economic opportunities for our agricultural community.”
Wasim’s saffron pilot project launched in September 2024. Despite a late start to the season, he experienced success with saffron flowers blooming just a few months later in November. As his business continues to grow, Wasim is eager to produce more blooms and invite the community to his farm for a unique u-pick experience, allowing visitors to harvest their own saffron and take home a piece of his culture. Through this initiative, Wasim hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for saffron’s history, harvesting process, and diverse applications.
“Saffron has always been in my blood, and the idea of cultivating it here came naturally,” Wasim reflected. “California has everything – almonds, walnuts, grapes, oranges, wine. It ought to have its own saffron too.”
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