When and how to harvest saffron?

The saffron bloom occurs during October- November and the flowers should be picked before the wilting of the petals. The plucking should always be done at dawn to extract the highest quality of saffron. Stigmas are borne in the centre of each purple and cup shaped bloom. The perfect time to harvest the stigmas is mid-morning on a sunny day when the flowers are fully opened and are still fresh. Carefully pluck the stigmas from the flowers with your fingers, and then dry them in a warm place to preserve them for cooking.