Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Saffron is the most precious and expensive spice in the world. The Saffron threads are the dried stigmas of the saffron flower, Crocus Sativus Linneaus. Each flower contains only three stigmas. These threads must be picked from each flower by hand, and approximately 170.000 of these flowers are needed to produce 1kg of saffron filaments; typically, one would need 2000 m2 field area per kg harvest, making it the world's most precious spice. Saffron is used both for its bright orange-yellow colour and for its strong, intense flavour and aroma. Saffron is available both in threads and powder. Legitimate powdered saffron is red-orange and is made by grinding saffron stigmas. For thousands of years saffron has been linked to beauty, elegance and good taste. The English word "saffron" is derived from the Arabic za'faran, meaning yellow. Saffron is unique among spices. It has an aroma and flavour that cannot be duplicated, either naturally or artificially.