Saffron

Harvested in Cyprus as early as 1600 B.C. and later brought to Kashmir (the world’s best saffron comes from Kashmir, and if someone is kind enough to share some with you, offer your firstborn as a thank-you gift), this is unequivocally the world’s most expensive spice. It is the hand-picked, dried stamen of the Crocus sativa blossom (70,000 blossoms yield a pound of beautiful reddish-orange saffron threads), and just two to four threads can perfume a curry that feeds four. Never purchase ground saffron, as it is inferior in quality and may be adulterated. Use saffron threads sparingly (heat will bring out its aroma) and guard it with your life.