Saffron is the stigma of the fall
flowering crocus. Peek inside most any flower, and you will see
three threadlike filaments. These are stigma - but only in the
saffron crocus are these stigma worth thousands of dollars per
pound. Saffron is so valuable because it is a very labor intensive
crop, and only 5-7 pounds of saffron can be produced from each acre
of land. This makes saffron the most expensive spice by weight - it
always has been but by use saffron isn't that expensive,
because a little goes a long way.
Saffron contains 450-500 saffron
stigmas to the gram. The stigma are also called threads, strings,
pieces or strands. 1 gram equals 2 tsp. whole, 1 teaspoon crumbled
or 1/2 teaspoon powdered. Avoid pre-powdered saffron because it
loses flavor quickly and is usually cut with turmeric or something
else.
Name
Origin
Type of Plant
General Uses
Use in or with
Market Form
Saffron
Biblical
Type of crocus bulb
Flavor, color, Henry VIII so fond of it in his
food he, forbade its use by court ladies to dye their hair
