[Lee Stewart]

The world's most expensive spice, saffron is mainly grown in Iran, who produces more than 90% of the global demand. Each crocus sativus flower produces about three red stigmas which must be picked by hand. It takes 50,000-75,000 flowers and 40 hours of hand-picking to produce just 450g (1lb) of saffron so it's not surprising this spice can be sold for as much as $10,000 per kilogram (2.2lbs).