Which
brings us to the question: what are the world's most expensive spices? Here are the three most luxurious spices you
can have in your kitchen:
Saffron
Photo: Flickr.com/AgriturismoSanGiovannello
Saffron
is the world's most expensive spice. Its price ranges from 15,000 euro to
30,000 euros per kilo, depending on the quality.
Why
is saffron so expensive? That's because harvesting saffron is very labor
intensive: one kilo of saffron requires 250,000 purple crocus flowers and more than
600 hours of labor.
Not
only that but each crocus flower provides just three stigmas (aka saffron
strands) which must be picked by hand gently. The flower blossoms twice a year
so the harvesting requires exact timing, precision, and a delicate touch.
This
golden spice of inimitable flavor is produced in Spain and Italy but the
world's most renown variety comes from Iran.
Vanilla
Photo: Flickr.com/FabioDiLupo
The
world's second most expensive spice is vanilla. While it originated in Mexico
vanilla is famously cultivated in Madagascar and other islands in the Indian
Ocean.
Of
course, it's price doesn't compare to the outlandish cost of saffron but
vanilla will set you back a few dollars. The price of this fragrant spice
depends on where it was cultivated and how it is sold (extract, whole bean or
seeds). For instance, vanilla extract can cost anywhere from $6 an ounce to
$260 for a gallon.
A
pound of vanilla beans (about 450 kg) can sell for $50 and up, according to CNN
Money. You can save some money by making your own extract.
Cardamom
Photo: Flickr.com/HideyaHamano
While
it is less expensive than saffron and vanilla, cardamom is by no means a cheap
spice. Known as the Queen of Indian Spices, cardamom sells for 60 euro per
kilogram, or about $30 a pound.
Cardamom
is a tropical plant native to Southern India and also cultivated in Madagascar.
There are two varieties: brown and green, with the latter possessing the
delicate aroma reminiscent of perfume. Brown cardamom has an earthier flavor
with a pleasant smokiness. Both are excellent for preparing chai tea but green
cardamom is especially delicious in desserts.
Just
like vanilla, cardamom has long been used by the cosmetic industry.
Theo FDL