Australian-grown saffron is being used in university research into eye disease.

The spice that’s more expensive than gold by weight is produced in Tasmania’s Huon Valley by Tasmanian Saffron Pty Ltd, a family business owned and operated by Terry and Nicky Noonan since 1990.

Trading as Tas-Saff, the former Telstra Tasmanian Business of the Year has built up Australia’s only commercial network of saffron growers – about 80 farms located throughout Tasmania and in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and New Zealand.
Saffron is the name given to the three-pronged, dried red stigmas from the flower of the Crocus sativus corm (bulb) and is commonly known as the spice that adds colour, flavour and aroma to food.

According to Nicky Noonan, saffron is known to have medicinal qualities including anti-cancer properties. “We have provided Sydney University’s Vision Centre with saffron to use in trials for reversing macular degeneration of the eyes. There have been some positive results in the project,” she said.
From its first harvest at Glaziers Bay, south of Hobart, in 1994, Tas-Saff has packaged premium grade saffron for local and export sale. Saffron from its network of growers goes to gourmet outlets and stores of a major supermarket chain in all States except Western Australia. It is exported to countries including India, Japan, Canada, the US, Denmark and New Zealand.

The Telstra Australian Business Awards, now in their 20th year, are an opportunity for small and medium businesses to grow their business profile, networks and knowledge. Many businesses that participate say the rigorous Awards entry process is invaluable because it requires them to strategically review their business planning. All entrants receive a free 70-page Business Health Check report that evaluates their performance against best business practice.
Mrs Noonan encouraged other agricultural businesses to enter the Telstra Australian Business Awards. “We benefited from the increased profile from the Awards. The submission takes time but entering these Awards is very worthwhile.”