What Unique Flavor Comes from the World's Most Expensive Spice?

Saffron, often dubbed the world's most expensive spice, is harvested from the delicate stigma of the Crocus sativus flower, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Each flower produces only three crimson stigmas, and it takes around 150,000 flowers to yield just one kilogram of saffron. This labor-intensive process is primarily done by hand, making saffron not only rare but also a symbol of luxury in culinary arts. Its unique flavor, described as earthy and slightly sweet, can elevate dishes ranging from risottos to paellas, while its vibrant yellow-orange hue adds a stunning visual appeal. Historically, saffron has been prized not just for its culinary uses but also for medicinal properties and even as a dye, linking it to cultures across the globe for centuries.