23
Feb
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, mainly because it takes about 150 croci to produce 1 gram of saffron. Each flower has 3 red stigmas (or stamens) that are attached to the plant by yellow styles. Normally, when you buy Spanish or Moroccan saffron you see some of the yellow styles mixed in with the saffron but not in Iran where they are kept separate, and even sold separately. I bought some of the cheaper yellow styles because I was intrigued, and they smelled almost as strong as the stamens. However, when I used some, I found that they had hardly any flavour. Also, they barely coloured my milk pudding. Not sure what I will do with my remaining stash. Perhaps mix it with the pure saffron? I guess it is not such a good idea!
Ps. Both photos were taken by Alimo Nafisi, a lovely friend who took me around Tehran during my first visit.
Tagged : Iran, iranian saffron, milk pudding, most expensive spice in the world, saffron, saffron crocus, stamens, stigmas, styles 
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There is 3 comments on this post
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February 23, 2012 at 7:48 am
I have always heard that Iranian saffron is the best in the world. A friend showed me a site with close up images of various grades, how much of the styles is still attached etc.
How much per gram is the really good stamen-only stuff, Aunty A?
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February 23, 2012 at 9:50 am
i am not sure if it is the best. it certainly is very good but good spanish saffron is also very good. same for moroccan which may be spanish. unfortunately, i don’t remember how much it is. i bought good stuff in iran, and that funny yellow stuff which was cheaper but by how much, i can no longer tell. sorry 🙂
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February 26, 2012 at 5:53 am
Ha, that’s OK! Your memory sounds like mine!