Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. The main reason for the high price of saffron is the complicated cultivation and harvesting.
Each crocus plant has only two or three flowers. Since each crocus flower contains only three pistillate filaments, the later saffron filaments, you need a lot of flowers, and even more plants for little spice.
Around 200,000 crocus flowers are needed for just one kilo of saffron.
However, crocuses only blossom twice a year and only for a few days. In the three-day period, all the pistil threads have to be carefully and cautiously removed from the blossoms by hand. The use of machines is therefore not possible.
Because of the high price, it is advisable to pay attention to the correct dosage of saffron. It is also advisable to compare prices so as not to pay more than necessary.
For 0.1 grams of saffron threads, you pay between 3 and 7 euros. The price varies depending on the origin and cultivation. If the price is lower, you should be careful, because it might be a fake.
For saffron grown in Spain, you often pay more than for Persian saffron from Iran.
Saffron from organic cultivation, which can be bought in health food shops, is more expensive but is of very good quality.
Beware! Some Spanish traders import saffron from Iran and falsely label it as Spanish saffron.
The prices for ground saffron are close to those of untreated saffron threads. Buying saffron as threads is recommended, however, because by grinding it yourself, you can make the highly aromatic powder yourself, which gives it a more intense flavour.