Saffron is considered to be one of the most expensive spices in the world. So what makes it worth so much? It comes from the saffron crocus flower and takes as many as 75,000 blooms to produce one pound of spice. It also must be handpicked because it is so delicate. Only the stigmas of the flower are used as the spice (these are the long red parts of the flower pictured below). Saffron has a very distinct, bold flavor which makes it popular in many food dishes across many different cultures. But saffron can also be used as a medicinal remedy for ailments like Alzheimer’s disease and depression.
Saffron crocus – https://fairegarden.wordpress.com/2008/10/08/mad-about-saffron/