Saffron, grown for centuries for its aromatic, culinary and healing properties, is literally more valuable than gold; made from the crocuses' stigmas, the spice can fetch as much as $5,000 per pound. Recent medical research suggests that saffron's therapeutic and medicinal applications may include lowering blood cholesterol levels, preventing convulsions, fighting cancer and combating depression.
Photo by Oliver Parini. Image of Arash Ghalehgolabbehbahan sourced from Seven Days VT. Available at: https://media1.sevendaysvt.com/sevendaysvt/imager/u/blog/3868413/agriculture1-1-73d91bc027de52db.jpg?cb=1680219742