[FFF] The spice that is even more expensive than gold

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In these blogs I write about Funny Facts that have something to do with Finance.
Today it’s about the spice that is even more expensive than gold.

Disclaimer

I've used several sources of information for this blog. Prices of the products have changed since since the articles were published. But anyway, whether it is true or not; it is the most expensive spice spice by weight.

Saffron

The spice I'm talking about is Saffron. Saffron is used as a seasoning and colouring agent in food.
For a gram of Saffron you have to pay between 4 or 5 euro (5 to 6 US Dollar)!
But why is this spice so ridiculously expensive?
Saffron is derived from a flower; the Saffron Crocus. These flowers grow little red stems as seen on the picture below.

All these stems are picked by hand which is enormously labour intensive. After picking the stems can be dried. The labour intensiveness and the low weight of the stems after drying makes this the most expensive spice by weight; close to the value of gold!
Most saffron is produced in Iran which produces over 90% of the 250 tons produced worldwide each year.