Chocolatey, Creamy, Buttery, Garlicy, all of these are some of our favorite flavors. But what makes it taste so good? The role of spices in food processing is what changes the entire taste of the food. Spices give the food the aroma and flavor that makes it what it is. A spice is a seed, fruit, root, bark, or other plant substance that is used primarily to flavor or color food. Spices differ from herbs, which are leaves, flowers, or stems of plants that are used for flavoring or as a garnish. So essentially, the types of flavours existing in the world are essentially because of the spices. Cumin is the most popular spice in the world, and coriander (or cilantro) is the most commonly used herb. In Europe and Africa, garlic is the most common of all the dishes considered, and unsurprisingly here, oregano is common in the Mediterranean regions. In this article, we will read about the most expensive spices in the world.
- Saffron
It is no surprise that saffron is the most expensive spice. Looking at its price, we all must have known it. But what makes it so expensive? One kilogram of saffron requires 250,000 purple crocus flowers and over 600 hours of work. Not only that, each crocus flower provides only three stigmas (i.e. saffron threads) and must be gently plucked by hand. The flower blooms twice a year, so harvesting requires precise timing, precision, and delicate craftsmanship. This golden spice with an inimitable flavor is produced in Spain and Italy, but the most famous in the world comes from Iran.
- Vanilla
The second most expensive spice in the world is vanilla. While native to Mexico, vanilla is famous for being grown in Madagascar and other islands in the Indian Ocean. Of course, its price does not compare to the exorbitant price of saffron, but vanilla will set you back a few dollars. The price of this aromatic spice depends on where it is grown and how it is sold (extract, whole beans, or seeds). For example, vanilla extract can cost anywhere from $6 per ounce to $260 per gallon. A pound of vanilla pods (about 450 g) can sell for $50 or more
- Cardamom
Cardamom is not a cheap spice. Dubbed the queen of Indian spices, cardamom sells for 60 euros a kilogram, or about $30 a pound. Cardamom is a tropical plant native to southern India and also grown in Madagascar. Available in two varieties: brown and green, the latter has a subtle fragrance reminiscent of perfume. Cardamom has a more earthy flavor with a pleasant smoky flavor. Both are great for making chai tea, but cardamom is especially delicious in desserts. Like vanilla, cardamom has long been used in the cosmetic industry.
For more articles on food Marketing, agrotech, and technology related to the Indian food industry, check out FMTmagazine. FMT Magazine is an edition of the German publication. It is a comprehensive food and beverage magazine that connects the buyers and the sellers through content that is of international quality. The magazine over the entire spectrum of the food industry including content on policies. FMT Magazine stands for Food Marketing & Technology Magazine. The magazine carries articles on ingredients, processing, packaging, food safety, and marketing, along with interviews with top personalities in the Indian food industry.
