British Saffron with Sam Bilton

<p>On the show today is author, food historian and returning guest Sam Bilton to talk about British Saffron – both growing it and eating it – Sam has a brand new book about to come out called <em>Fool’s Gold A History of British Saffron</em>, published by Prospect Books on 8th September 2022.</p><p>We talk about when, where and why saffron was grown in the country, how common it used to be in the British diet, it’s liberal use in the <em>Forme of Cury</em>, using saffron in your own cooking, Saffron as a dye and food colouring, how it was harvested and prepared, gilded chickens and the return of British saffron. </p><p>Sam’s book <em>Fool’s Gold A History of British Saffron</em>, published by Prospect Books on 8th September 2022: <a href="https://prospectbooks.co.uk/products-page/current-titles/2022-fools-gold-a-history-of-british-saffron-by-sam-bilton/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://prospectbooks.co.uk/products-page/current-titles/2022-fools-gold-a-history-of-british-saffron-by-sam-bilton/</a> </p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Sam’s website: <a href="http://www.sambilton.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.sambilton.com/</a> </p><p><br></p><p>Find Sam on social media: twitter @sjfbilton; Instagram @mrssbilton</p><p><br></p><p><u>&nbsp;</u></p><p><br></p><p><u>Some UK Saffron producers</u></p><p><br></p><p>Sussex Saffron: <a href="https://www.sussexsaffron.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.sussexsaffron.co.uk/</a></p><p><br></p><p>The Cheshire Saffron Company: <a href="https://www.sussexsaffron.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.sussexsaffron.co.uk/</a> </p><p><br></p><p>The Cornish Saffron Company: <a href="https://www.cornishsaffroncompany.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cornishsaffroncompany.co.uk/</a></p><p><br></p><p>Norfolk Saffron: <a href="https://www.norfolksaffron.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.norfolksaffron.co.uk/</a> </p><p><br></p><p>&