> What is the world's most expensive spice by weight?And the answer: Saffron. Photo credit: easytogrowbulbs.com[https://www.easytogrowbulbs.com/blogs/articles-and-tips/saffron-crocus-recipes].Costing thousands per pound, saffron is by far the world's most expensivespice. It comes from the stigma of the saffron crocus flower, which blooms forjust six weeks each year. Harvesting and drying the stigma is labor-intensiveand time consuming.Saffron is a difficult spice to work with. In the saffron crocus flowers, thereare three red stigmas – each is an individual piece of saffron. As such, theyield for farming saffron is incredibly low. Just one pound of saffron requires170,000 flowers. Saffron's short blooming period is challenged by further time constraints. Harshmidday sunlight can break down the chemical structure in saffron, while humiditylevels can affect yield. Some saffron farmers only harvest in the early morningas a result. 90% of the world's saffron is grown in arid fields in Iran, though the plant canbe grown throughout the world. It is resistant to cold temperatures, so evenplaces like the American state of Vermont have tried their hand at growingSaffron. Over centuries, saffron has proven useful in many situations. Most pertinently,it is a delicious additive to meals across the world. Saffron is the source ofpaella's signature color and flavor, as the plant breaks down into a flavorfulgolden dye. It is also great in broths, breads and marinades to add flavor.Learn more about the world's most expensive spice below.