Moroccan villagers embark on annual two-week harvest for Saffron
Morocco is among the world's top 5 saffron producers, with output of 6.8 tons last year
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2 MIN READ
1/16
Villagers collect Saffron flowers at dawn during harvest season in Askaoun, a small village near Taliouine, in Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains.
AP
2/16
The sun sets behind Saffron-rich Askaoun. Morocco is among the world's top 5 saffron producers, with output of 6.8 tons last year, though Iran is by far the largest producer.
AP
3/16
Villagers pick Saffron flowers at dawn. The saffron plants bloom for only two weeks a year and the flowers, each containing three crimson stigmas, become useless if they blossom, putting pressure on the women to work quickly and steadily.
AP
4/16
A boy plays in his family's home after sunrise during Saffron harvest season.
AP
5/16
A family separates Saffron stigma from petals shortly after harvesting.
AP
6/16
Biya Idbouali, 60, a villager who is part of a women Saffron cooperative.
AP
7/16
Villagers rest for a moment as they collect Saffron flowers at dawn.
AP
8/16
Biya Tamir, 60, picks Saffron flowers at dawn.
AP
9/16
Saffron flowers are laid on a table before the red stigma is separated.
AP
10/16
Biya Tamir, 60, and her grandson, share a moment after picking saffron flowers.
AP
11/16
A family picks Saffron stigma shortly after harvesting.
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12/16
Fatima Aït Tahadousht, 50, displays a basket of freshly collected Saffron flowers.
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13/16
Biya Tamir, 60, a villager who is part of a women Saffron cooperative, poses for a portrait during harvest season.
AP
14/16
Boys play football near Askaoun, a small village near Taliouine, in Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains.
AP
15/16
A basket of Saffron flowers is seen at a farm as villagers collect Saffron flowers.
AP
16/16
Women pick Saffron flowers at dawn during harvest season
AP
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