Saffron crocuses are native to Crete and central Asia. Today about 90% of saffron is grown in Iran (once called Persia until 1935 when the actual historic name "Iran" became the name the world would then accept). These are the source of the most expensive spice in the world! The three long, red stigmas are carefully picked from each flower. The stigmas are tediously plucked, piled and dried.
It takes 450-500 saffron stigmas to weigh one gram!
During the Middle Ages anyone selling or producing adulterated saffron was executed.
It takes 450-500 saffron stigmas to weigh one gram!
During the Middle Ages anyone selling or producing adulterated saffron was executed.