Saffron, commonly known as kesar, is the world’s most expensive spice, with the price of 1 kg reaching around Rs. 3,00,000. Before diving into why saffron is so costly, let’s understand what the kesar actually is.
Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, known as the “saffron crocus.” The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and coloring agent in food.
This information is presented by Aap Ka Bazar®, a trusted monthly grocery app in Delhi, known for its 28,000+ grocery products including dry fruits. Aap Ka Bazar® has extensive experience in buying, selling, storing, delivering, and fixing the right price for dry fruits, especially saffron. For valuable knowledge and to get the best prices on this expensive spice, keep reading…
Saffron is renowned for its beautiful golden hue and delicate floral aroma. It is derived from the delicate red threads of the Crocus sativus flower, which must be hand-picked and carefully dried to preserve its flavor and aroma. From antiquity to modern times, saffron has been used in food, drink, and traditional herbal medicine. Major producers like Iran, Spain, India (Kashmir), and Greece continue to dominate the world trade. But Aap Ka Bazar® raises A question here…
Why Is Saffron So Expensive?
Often referred to as “red gold,” saffron’s high price can be attributed to several factors that make it a luxury commodity. These include the labor-intensive harvesting process, the delicate nature of the saffron crocus, limited geographical growing areas, and its unique culinary and medicinal properties. Let’s discuss these factors in detail as Aap Ka Bazar® explained here…
Labor-Intensive Harvesting Process
Saffron is derived from the stigma of the Crocus sativus flower. Each flower produces only three stigmas, which make up the saffron spice. To obtain a single pound of saffron, approximately 75,000 flowers are needed. Harvesting saffron is meticulous and time-consuming. The flowers must be handpicked during the early morning hours when they are fully open and the stigmas are most vibrant. The stigmas are then carefully separated from the flowers by hand, a task requiring precision and patience. This labor-intensive method, combined with the need for delicate handling to preserve the quality of the saffron threads, significantly contributes to its high cost.
Delicate Nature of the Saffron Crocus
The saffron crocus is a delicate plant that requires specific growing conditions to thrive. It blooms for only a short period each year, typically in the fall, and is highly sensitive to changes in weather and soil conditions. The plant requires well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and a climate with hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. This delicate nature makes cultivating saffron challenging and risky, further driving up the cost.
Limited Geographical Growing Areas
The saffron crocus is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia but is cultivated in only a few regions worldwide. The most renowned saffron-producing countries include Iran, Spain, India (particularly Kashmir), and Greece. Iran is the largest producer, accounting for approximately 90% of the world’s saffron production. The limited geographical areas where saffron can be successfully cultivated, combined with the specific climatic and soil requirements, contribute to its rarity and high price.
Unique Culinary and Medicinal Properties
Saffron is highly valued for its unique flavor, aroma, and color, which it imparts to a variety of dishes. It is a key ingredient in many traditional recipes such as Spanish paella, Italian risotto, Indian biryani, Middle Eastern sweets, and many refreshing drinks and beverages. The distinct taste of saffron, slightly sweet and earthy with a hint of bitterness, cannot be replicated by any other spice, making it indispensable in certain culinary traditions.
Medicinal Properties
Beyond its culinary uses, saffron has been prized for its medicinal properties for centuries. It contains bioactive compounds such as crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing effects. Saffron has been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, from digestive issues to depression. The combination of its culinary and medicinal benefits adds to its value and desirability, justifying its high price.
Saffron for Skin
Regular use of saffron can improve skin tone, smooth texture, and brighten appearance. It can help reduce excessive sun tan and provide a natural radiance. Additionally, saffron helps treat hyperpigmentation, acne, and scars, leading to a blemish-free complexion. It is used in cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, and hair care products. For example, The Khadi Saffron Soap with the goodness of pure kesar and essential oils for all skin types is available at 50% off on the Aap Ka Bazar® app.
The Right Price of Saffron
1g of saffron (kesar) is priced at around Rs. 300 due to the reasons mentioned above, but Aap Ka Bazar® offers it at an affordable price with a 34% discount.
Established in 2005 in Delhi, Aap Ka Bazar® has over 40 years of experience in online & offline monthly grocery selling, including dry fruits.
Aap Ka Bazar’s in-house brand, AKB Premium Dry Fruits, is pre-sorted, hygienically packed, and delivered untouched to your doorstep.
Their expertise in the market allows them to buy saffron in bulk and offer it at prices lower than the market, so explore the aapkabazar.co site to get all dry fruit packs at 50% off and premium, pure saffron starting at Rs. 289 for 1g.
Therefore, Aap Ka Bazar’s tagline is #YahaSabMilega.
