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[[Image:Saffran_crocus_sativus_moist.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Saffron Crocus flower, showing two drooping stigma which are picked and dried to form saffron]]
[[Image:Saffron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Box of saffron]]
[[Image:Saffron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Box of saffron]]
'''Saffron''' is the name given to the dried stigma of the Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus). It is a very pungent spice which imparts a rich gold yellow color to dishes and is most famously associated with the [[Spain|Spanish]] dish paella.
'''Saffron''' is the name given to the dried stigma of the Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus). It is a very pungent spice which imparts a rich gold yellow color to dishes and is most famously associated with the [[Spain|Spanish]] dish paella.
Only one stigma per flower is ever produced, and this combined with the fact that saffron must be harvested at dawn before the pollen on the stigma has dried has made saffron the most expensive spice in the world. Currently, weight for weight, it is more expensive than gold.
Only one or two stigma per flower is ever produced, and this combined with the fact that saffron must be harvested at dawn before the pollen on the stigma has dried has made saffron the most expensive spice in the world. Currently, weight for weight, it is more expensive than gold.
Saffron was part of the 180,000 kg of spices traded per year (along with silk and precious metals) by the Venetians during the 100 year peace after the foiled Frankish invasion in 810. It was a major contributing factor in the success of Venice's stronghold over the international trade routes between the East and the West.
Saffron was part of the 180,000 kg of spices traded per year (along with silk and precious metals) by the Venetians during the 100 year peace after the foiled Frankish invasion in 810. It was a major contributing factor in the success of Venice's stronghold over the international trade routes between the East and the West.