Slow Food Pays Tribute to Azafrán La Carrasca on Saint George’s Day

The village of Blancas, located in the Jiloca region of Teruel, celebrated Saint George’s Day in grand style with a heartfelt tribute to the Azafrán La Carrasca family, who have played a leading role in reviving the traditional cultivation of saffron in the area.

The event, organised as a surprise homage, took place at the Hermitage of the Virgin of La Carrasca and was presented by Amparo Llamazares, President of Slow Food Zaragoza-Teruel. The occasion featured a touching video montage with photographs of José Antonio Esteban, founder of Azafrán La Carrasca, alongside friends, family and colleagues — a visual journey through the life of a pioneering family that has shown the world that rural innovation and agri-food transformation can go hand in hand. Their work has been recognised at national level with the 2024 Best Sustainable Producer Award, granted by BBVA and El Celler de Can Roca.

Following the ceremony inside the hermitage, attendees gathered outside to raise a glass of I.G.P. Ribera del Jiloca wine, accompanied by a tasting of saffron-infused tapas created by the team at La Ojinegra, using ingredients aligned with the Ark of Taste and Slow Food Presidia values:

• Ajoblanco with saffron sea water and saffron pearls from Teruel
• Mini toast with Aragón 03 heritage wheat bread, young goat meat and saffron garlic mayonnaise
• Raw goat’s cheese with saffron from Teruel
• Dark chocolate with saffron from Teruel
• Rock tea and saffron infusion with wildflower honey from the Jiloca Valley

The day concluded with a guided walk through the village and its surrounding holm oaks, led by the Esteban family — a warm invitation to discover the soul of Blancas and the roots of a deeply grounded rural project.

Azafrán La Carrasca expresses a special thanks to Slow Food Zaragoza and La Ojinegra for make possible this event. Also, we want to thanks to Blancas Town Council, the Teruel Chamber of Commerce, ADRI Jiloca-Gallocanta, and Calamocha TV, as well as to all members and volunteers who helped make this heartfelt celebration a reality.

A day to remember — honouring our land, traditions, and the people who keep them alive with care, innovation and commitment.