Saffron

About Saffron

The most expensive spice on Earth - $5,000-10,000 per pound. Each crocus flower produces only 3 stigma threads, and it takes 150,000 flowers to produce 1 kg. Harvesting is entirely by hand at dawn before flowers open. It has been used for 3,500+ years - depicted in Minoan palace frescoes from 1600 BCE. It produces a vivid yellow dye used for royal robes. Iran produces 90% of the worlds saffron. It contains crocin, which has demonstrated antidepressant properties in clinical studies. Fake saffron (often safflower) is common - real saffron turns water golden-yellow, not red. Alexander the Great used it to heal battle wounds.