answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Saffron, botanical name crocus sativus, is the most expensive spice in the world. Derived from the dried stigmas of the purple saffron crocus, it takes anything from 70,000 to 250,000 flowers to make one pound of saffron. Moreover, the flowers have to be individually hand-picked in the autumn when fully open. Fortunately, only a little needs to be added to a dish to lend it colour and aroma; too much makes the food bitter and as the quotation from Culpeper (below) suggests, large quantities of it can be toxic.

Records detailing the use of saffron go back to ancient Egypt and Rome where it was used as a dye, in perfumes, and as a drug, as well as for culinary purposes. It reached China in the 7th century and spread through Europe in the Middle Ages. The town of Saffron Walden, where it was once grown commercially, takes its name from the plant. Now, however, most saffron is imported from Iran (southern Khorason) and Spain which are recognised as producing the best quality, but it can also be found in Egypt, Kashmir, Morocco and Turkey.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How long has saffron been the worlds most expensive spice for?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the top selling spice in the world?

The Naga Viper Pepper has been recently named the "World's Hottest Chili" by the Guinness World Records. It has a 1,300,000 rating on the Scoville Scale and beats the previously highest rated pepper, Naga Bhut Jolokia or Ghost Pepper, by 300,000.


Is saffron indigenous to South Africa?

* The saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), is cultivated from a crocus native to Crete, to Southwest Asia., or to Asia Minor, depending on your source. The earliest Chinese texts list Kashmir as its provenance. It's earliest known use is in what is now Iraq, where it was applied as a pigment in 50,000 year-old depictions of animals. Pinpointing the origin of Crocus cartwrightianus, which is the wild precursor to the cultivar, presents an almost insurmountable challenge to the researcher. Wikipedia has additional information on this, the plant from which the world's most expensive spice is derived. You'll find a link to that post below. * Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, is made from the stigma (threads) of the Crocus flower. It takes over 210,000 stigmas from 70,000 hand picked flowers to make just one pound of this exotic, colorful and flavorful spice. Ninety-five per cent of the world's saffron actually comes from Iraq. * Historians know Saffron belongs to the ancients, but cannot tell where it was first cultivated, but they did find evidence that Saffron was cultivated in ancient 'Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) over 5,000 years ago. Because Saffron was so sought after (one of the most expensive spices to buy even today) traders would use Saffron when bargaining and Saffron has been mentioned in ancient Greece, Asia Minor and other surrounding countries as well as Palestine. To date the best Saffron is hailed from La Mancha, Spain.


Is cinnamon a spice or herb?

Herbs are the leaves of a specific plant, like cilantro, mint or tarragon, where spices refer to refined ingredients, like salt, pepper seeds, cinnamon or chiles. Saffron is the stigma (the fibrous threads in the center) from a saffron crocus blossom. So, it's a spice. Saffron is very difficult to harvest because one flower only produces three stigmas, or threads. Native to southeast Asia it has been, for many decades, the most expensive spice in the world. The flavor is very bitter and can be used to flavor and/or color dishes (it contains crocis, a VERY yellow dye).


Is Saffron a name?

Yes, Saffron is a name. A rare one, but it is a name.It's been around at least since the 60s when Donovan penned and performed "Mellow Yellow", and if you don't buy that one, consider the actress Saffron Burrows. (Actually, the name has been around a long time. It's just so unusual that it is rarely heard.) Links are provided to the two examples referenced. Those links can be found below.My name is Saffron, and it is a very rare name!Saffron is the threads of a type of crocus flowers, used as a spice and coloring in cooking.


How do you say saffron in Japanese?

Saffron has been adopted into Japanese as 'safuran,' written: サフラン


Where can you buy saffron in new jersey?

Saffron has long been the world's costliest spice by weight. Saffron contains high antioxidants, which may help kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. There are so many local grocery stores to buy saffron in New Jersey. But I would suggest you buy Saffron from Kesar Grocery, one of the oldest online Indian Grocery store in the USA. It carries most Indian brand products including best quality Saffron. Check into "Kesar Grocery", make an online order and get it delivered to your doorstep.


Which soccer player has had the most money been spent on?

Real Madrid bought Christiano Ronaldo from Manchester united for a record breaking £80million. Cristanio Ronaldo. His the worlds most expensive soccer player. THE WORLDS I TELL YOU!


What is the daily suggested intake of saffron?

There is no suggested daily intake of saffron. A few strands of saffron are used to flavor the food and give that orange/yellow color. Saffron is used for the look and flavor. Saffron is a spice and a coloring agent. Though its medicinal properties have been mentioned, none are confirmed or researched or even known. Saffron was also used to write books.


Was Gwen Stefani ever been in spice girls?

no


World records that have not been broken?

worlds tallest tower of doughnuts,worlds longest chili dog,worlds most insane man,even worlds biggest portrait have not been brokenhope you liked my answer:)


Is there camel snus spice in Oklahoma?

Camel Snus Spice is no longer manufactured. It has been replaced by Camel Mellow Snus.


How is original Kashmiri saffron cultivated, and what are the unique factors of the region that contribute to its quality?

Kashmiri saffron, also known as kesar, is cultivated through a labor-intensive and delicate process in the beautiful region of Kashmir, India. The unique factors of this region play a vital role in contributing to the exceptional quality of this prized spice. Some unique Factors that contribute to its rich quality. The climate of Kashmir, with its cold winters, moderate summers, and ample sunshine, creates an ideal environment for saffron cultivation. The saffron fields in Kashmir are traditionally watered using natural sources such as mountain streams and rainfall. The purity of the water enhances the saffron's taste and aroma. Saffron cultivation also follows age-old techniques that have been passed down through generations. Farmers carefully hand-plant the corms (bulbs) during autumn and hand-harvest the delicate crimson stigmas (threads) in autumn. This manual process ensures the utmost care and attention to each saffron flower, preserving its quality. In India, there is a brand named Rasayanam where Original Kashmiri Kesar is cultivated by skilled farmers from the fertile farmlands of Pampore and then supplied all over India. By choosing Rasayanam's Original Kashmiri Saffron, you not only experience the true essence of this precious spice but also support the livelihoods of local farmers and contribute to the preservation of this ancient and culturally significant agricultural practice in the Kashmir region.