SAFFRON

 

The ancient spice SAFFRON is the most expensive spice in the world,  with a wholesale price as high as $10,000 per pound.

Saffron comes from the stigmas of the crocus sativus, a flowering plant that only blooms for two or three weeks out of the year.  Each flower produces only three thin red stigmas or threads, which are hand-picked and then dried.

• Iran is today's leading producer of saffron, but is also cultivated in Afghanistan, Greece, Morocco, India and other countries. 
• Because of its high price, there are fake versions of saffron sold by corrupt producers.  Fake saffron has a metallic or tobacco-like smell over time.  Authentic saffron has a beautiful floral aroma, with a hint of sweetness.  Saffron threads are dark red with sometimes a bit of yellow, so be careful if you see too much yellow or white.  
  
• Elderly women are usually given the job of removing the saffron threads from the crocus flowers.  No machines are used to separate them. 
  
• Saffron is used as a medicine, fabric dye and perfume. 
• In India, saffron represents courage and sacrifice.  The color deep saffron (kesari) was chosen for one of the three bands of the National Flag of India, along with white (peace and truth) and what is now called India green (faith and chivalry).
• The ancient Greeks and Romans used saffron as a deodorizer, scattering it in public places like royal halls, courts and amphitheaters.  When Nero entered Rome, saffron was spread along the streets.  Wealthy Romans took daily saffron baths.
• Saffron is mentioned in the Song of Solomon 4:13-14 and Psalm 35:1. 

"Saffron requires 4,000 blossoms to produce one ounce of spice.  It is easy to see how patience is required to gather 4,000 blossoms.  The next time we are enduring a trial, let us remember the 4,000 single flowers that are required to gather an ounce of saffron and hope that it takes fewer than 4,000 trials to develop an ounce of patience in us."  ~Reflections