Why is saffron so expensive?
by 
Kyogre-Stataen
ANSWERS: 6
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It takes a HUGE amount of the material to make the seasoning-spice out of a special species of crocus. And it is not plentiful. So between the two, it is costly! Saffron has been the world's most expensive spice by weight for many years. It's native to Southwest Asia.
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Why is Saffron the most expensive spice in the world? Saffron consists of the dried stigmas and part of the styles of the autumn-blooming cultivated crocus. Saffron's expensnse comes not from the lack of availability ,because it is easily cultivated. The expense comes from the extraordinary labor involved in harvesting and preparing it for storage. Also adding to the expense is the fact that 80,000 flowers are needed to obtain one pound of Saffron. Spain grows more Saffron than any other nation in the World, with India coming in second. The area of south-central Spain called La Mancha produces the World's best Saffron. Saffron enhances the flavors of many styles of cuisine. Rice and pasta dishes come alive with a pinch of Saffron. Seafood is wonderful with a Saffron-infused broth or rub some chicken with fine threads of Saffron. Remember to use sparingly, because the flavor explodes when added to dishes. http://tinyurl.com/33vnm2
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Simply because you get such a tiny amount from each plant. Each plant produces 0.007 grams of saffron, and the bulbs have to be dug up, split, and replanted each year. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saffron
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because the people that cultivate it have to have their hands coated/plated in gold for life, so as not to chemically imbalance the structure, and hence the flavour.
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retroglide's excellent answer, but it still comes down to supply and demand.
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You would think that, because Saffron is more expensive to acquire than marijuana or cocaine, that those who cultivate, harvest and sell those products would switch to Saffron, because it would make them more money, and be LEGAL, also.
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