Most of us can draw the conclusion that saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. And, in fact, it is the most expensive spice on the market. But why is the price of saffron so high? And what other spices compete with saffron in the ranking of the most expensive spices? We tell you what makes saffron so expensive and other curious details about the most expensive spices in the world.
Why is saffron so expensive?
A kilo of high quality saffron can cost up to 30 thousand euros. Then you can also find cheaper saffron that can reach 15,000 euros a kilo but, in all probability, aroma and flavor will not reach the level of the most expensive saffron.
While there may be price differences depending on the country, these numbers place saffron as the most expensive spice in the world. But why?
First, the price of this spice is influenced by the hard work required to obtain it. Think about 250,000 flowers to obtain one kilo of saffron and that is equivalent to many hours of work. Indeed, what is called saffron corresponds to the three stigmas of the flower of crocus sativus which is collected manually and with great care so as not to spoil the product. Adding to the difficulty of the production process is the fact that the saffron bulb only blooms twice a year and each flower is very short-lived. For this reason the harvest must be done in a precise period under specific climatic conditions.
To all this we must add the cost of production, because to create a saffron field it is necessary to invest in cultivation fields, work tools and labor. Another thing that has its weight in the final price of this spice are the bulbs since production starts from the second year and, in general, the bulb stays in the ground for about 4 years and then the production decreases and the bulbs have to be changed. .
What are the most expensive spices in the world?
If there is no doubt about saffron’s first place in the ranking of the most expensive spices in the world, then the other spices in this ranking are not so easy to hit. In general, doubts are caused by considered ignorance that in the top 5 of the most expensive spices there are quite a few that are not so common in our culinary tradition. Then find out the rest of the ranking.
fennel pollen
Fennel is a very common plant in Spain and in the Mediterranean area in general. The wild plant (Foeniculum vulgare) is used in countless culinary recipes and traditional remedies that take advantage of everything from the roots to the seeds of the plant. Now, did you know that fennel pollen is the second most expensive spice in the world?
The tiny fennel flowers produce pollen with a very intense flavor, very popular as a seasoning. In this case, the artisanal harvesting process also influences the price. In addition, the flowers are very small and rare, which increases the difficulty of obtaining abundant harvests.
The price of this spice is around 1,200 euros per kilo.
Vanilla
Among the main reasons for the price of this spice is the precariousness of harvests. In fact, most of the production of this spice is concentrated in Madagascar, where heavy rains at certain times of the year can affect the harvest.
Another aspect that influences production is the life cycle of the plant, which flowers only one day a year and in those 24 hours conditions must be met for pollination that will give rise to the precious vanilla pods.
A kilo of vanilla beans costs approximately 230 euros per kilo.
Cardamom
It is a very widespread spice in Indian cuisine and appreciated in the rest of the world for its intense and delicate aroma. It is used, for example, in the preparation of Chai Tea, but also in sweet and savory recipes.
According to Business Insider, producing the spice takes a lot of effort and the plant is threatened by climate change.
The price of a kilo of cardamom all green is around 60-70 euros. While it is nothing compared to the price of saffron, it cannot be considered a cheap spice either.
java long pepper
A few centuries ago, the answer to the question “what is the most expensive spice in the world” would undoubtedly be pepper. Originally from India, its impact was so great on other civilizations that its use spread very quickly, increasing demand and raising the price. Due to its importance in the history of civilizations, it is considered the “oil of the Middle Ages”. Today the spice is used on all continents, but its production has grown and it is no longer included among the most expensive spices.
However, some pepper varieties can fetch quite high prices, such as the Java long pepper.
piper retrofractum is the scientific name of a plant of the family Piperaceae Originally from the island of Java. Its fruit is used to flavor different traditional dishes of Indonesian and African cuisine. It is a rarer type of pepper, with a characteristic flavor that is both spicy and sweet and an aromatic scent that costs an average of around 80 euros a kilo.
Confirmed, saffron is the most expensive spice
In short, saffron is the most expensive spice, but it is not the only one that requires a long and precise harvesting process before reaching our kitchens to flavor recipes and delight the palate. Fortunately, most of these spices only need a pinch to add flavor to our dishes.