The most precious and most expensive spice in the world: Saffron.
The Saffron filaments, or threads, are actually the dried stigmas of the saffron flower, "Crocus Sativus Linnaeus". Each flower contains only three stigmas. These threads must be picked from each flower by hand, and more than 75,000 of these flowers are needed to produce just one pound of Saffron filaments, making it the world`s most precious spice. But, because of saffron's strong coloring power and intense flavor, it can be used sparingly. Saffron is used both for its bright orange-yellow color and for its strong, intense flavor and aroma.
Crocus Sativus Linnaeus contains crocin, the source of its strong coloring property, bitter-crocin, which offers the distinctive aroma and taste and essential oils which are responsible for its therapeutic properties. Saffron is available both in filaments and powder, though the long, deep red filaments are usually preferable to the powder as the latter can be easily adulterated. Today, the greatest saffron producing countries are India, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Iran, and Morocco. The largest saffron importers are Germany, Italy, U.S.A., Switzerland, U.K., and France.
Saffron cultivation in the Valley dates back to 550 AD, about four centuries earlier than Spain. Although cultivated only in the Kashmir Valley yet India is known as a major saffron producing country. Saffron is the most high value, low volume crop highly remunerative and is considered to be the second largest agricultural activity after fruit production in the state. The cultivation of this high value crop is concentrated in Pampore and the adjoining areas occupying an area of about 5000 hectares with an estimated annual production of 173 quintals.
