Meet Saffron, the World’s Most Expensive Spice

Gastropod

• Episode: Meet Saffron, the World’s Most Expensive Spice
• Website: Gastropod
• Feed URL: https://gastropod.com/feed/
• Duration: 00:41:39
• Published: 2018-01-16 04:45

It’s the poshest spice of all, often worth its weight in gold. But saffron also has a hidden history as a dye, a luxury self-tanner, and even a serotonin stimulant. That’s right, this episode we’re all about those fragile red threads plucked from the center of a purple crocus flower. Listen in as we visit a secret saffron field to discover why it’s so expensive, talk to a clinical psychologist to explore the science behind saffron’s reputation as the medieval Prozac, and explore the spice’s off-menu role as an all-purpose beautifier for elites from Alexander the Great to Henry VIII. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices