This is the World’s Most Expensive Spice
May 3, 2017 - Do you know what is the world's most expensive
spice? Known for its distinct flavor and ability to give food a golden yellow color,
saffron is a highly-prized spice that is primarily produced in northern Iran. It comes from the stigmas of crocus flowers that thrive under the region's dry climate. Knowledge of saffron's intricate cultivation
that has been passed in Iran from generation to generation. Besides cooking, saffron is also used in traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular issues and for possible cancer prevention.
Read "The Secret History of the World's Priciest Spice"
TOS: KHORASN PROVINCE, NORTHERN IRAN
TOS: SAFFRON IS THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE SPICE, USED TO GIVAVE A S GOLDEN COLOR TO FOOD AND ADD ITS DISTINCT FLAVOR.
TOS: NEARLY NINETY PERCENT OF THE WORLD’S SUPPLY COMES FROM IRAN.
TOS: THE SAFFRON COMES FROM A CROCUS FLOWER’S STIGMAS, AND THE FLOWER ONLY BLOOMS FOR ABOUT A WEEK EVERY YEAR.
Voice of ALI SHARIATI M, SAFFRON EXPORTER:
This is a farm in Khorasan Province in northeast Iran.
Saffron is known as the most valuable plant in the world and has been growing in Iran for thousands of years.
Saffron stems from Iran’s history. Knowledge and experience about saffron has been conveyed and developed from generation to generation.
Since saffron does not need too much water to grow, it suits Iran’s climate.
Iran is currently the biggest saffron producer of the world, with production of 360 tons of dry saffron per year.
FAO’s (Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) representative said, “Iranian saffron is undoubtedly the best in the world.”
Saffron is used in traditional medicine for improving the cardiovascular system and creating joy.
Many effects, such as being anti-cancerous, improving memory, improving sexual potency, and many other medical benefits have been found in saffron.
Voice of ARYA FERDOWSI, LOCAL FARMER:
Here has limited water but also has the best soil (for saffron).
It’s dry, but hard enough to keep the moisture for a couple of months.
Our main concern is underground water. (We try) not to waste it.
