Categories: Current AffairsGeneral Studies

Which is the Most Expensive Spice in the World? Know the Name

Spices are used all over the world to add taste, color and smell to food. While many spices are cheap and easy to find, some are very rare and costly. Among all the spices, saffron is known as the most expensive one. It is loved for its rich color, special smell and health benefits, but it takes a lot of work and care to produce even a small amount.

Spice Production in the World

The world produces about 12 million metric tons of spices every year. India is the top producer, also making around 12 million metric tons, but its market share is still small. Countries like China and the United States have a bigger share in the global spice trade. Even though India grows the most, other countries lead in selling and exporting spices worldwide.

World’s Most Expensive Spice

Saffron is known as the most expensive spice in the world. It comes from the tiny red parts (stigmas) of a flower called Crocus sativus. This flower blooms for only a short time each year, and saffron must be picked by hand. Because the process takes a lot of time and effort, saffron is very costly. The spice is famous for its deep red color, rich aroma and strong flavor.

How Expensive is Saffron?

Saffron is sold in very small amounts and even one gram can cost between $10 and $20, which is about Rs.830 to Rs.1660 in Indian currency (based on Rs.83 per dollar). To make just one pound (0.45 kg) of saffron, farmers need to harvest 50,000 to 75,000 flowers. This hard work and the small amount of saffron each flower gives it the costliest spice in the world.

Where is Saffron Grown in India?

In India, saffron is mainly grown in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Pampore region, also known as the ”Saffron Town,” is the heart of saffron farming. This area is perfect for saffron because of :

Its well-drained karewa soil
A cool climate
An altitude of 1,500 to 2,000 meters

Other regions in India where saffron is grown on a smaller scale include:

Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Some experimental farms in Maharashtra and Punjab

Akansha Arora

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