Often called red gold, saffron is the most expensive spice in the world: A mere 2 grams of the highest quality costs nearly $60. With a floral aroma and fruity, earthy flavor, saffron is a delicate ...

Have you ever wondered why a tiny pinch of saffron costs more than most spices you'll find in your kitchen? Let's be real, when you first see the price tag on this crimson thread, your jaw might drop.

Saffron is one of the world’s most prized spices. It comes from the red stigmas of the flower Crocus sativus, and it is valued for its vivid golden‑yellow colour, rich aroma and distinctive flavour.

“Our biggest challenge is to get people to use it,” Ethan Frisch, the co-founder and co-owner of the spice company Burlap & Barrel, says about saffron. “They think it’s so valuable they almost don’t ...