Most Expensive Spice in the World

The female reproductive organ of a flower saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) are the dried filaments known as Saffron. More than 75,000 of these stigmas must be hand picked to produce one pound of Saffron threads, it is no wonder that this is the most expensive spice.

Saffron has been cultivated for more than 3,000 years for its unique flavor and strong coloring power. The expensive spice can have a bright orange-yellow color with a distinct scent, and is sold in either powder form, but deep red filaments are preferable to avoid adulteration. More than 150 volatile and aroma-yielding compounds are in Saffron, which has been used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in previous times.

Saffron is produced in countries such as Greece, Spain, Turkey, Iran, India and Morocco, and then sold in different grades by color, taste and fragrance.

The price of saffron varies based on quality and amount, but grams of the best saffron have been known to go for as much as $15.

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