What Is Saffron?
Saffron is a red spice that has been used for centuries in both cooking and traditional medicine. It is made from the stigmas of a purple flower called Crocus sativus, which only blooms for a few weeks each year. sometimes known as the "saffron crocus," or "autumn crocus" which grows primarily in the Mediterranean region.
The saffron crocus reaches a height of 20–30 cm (8–12 in) and produces up to four flowers with three bright scarlet stigmas apiece. The crocus is a self-incompatible sterile triploid. The autumn crocus blooms for only a few weeks each year and it takes approximately 110/000 to 170/000 flowers to produce just one pound of saffron threads. It is often used in rice dishes, paellas, and risottos, as well as in different Countries stews. Due to its rarity and distinct flavor, it is one of the most expensive spices in the world.
Why Is Saffron So Expensive?
Saffron is expensive because it is difficult to grow and harvest. The crocus flower that saffron comes from only blooms for a few weeks each year, and the stigmas (the part of the flower that is used to make saffron) need to be plucked by hand.
