Iran's homegrown treasure: the spice that costs more than gold
Photos: Iran's red gold traders thrive in isolation
Saffron pickers in Masshad, Iran, the hub of the global industry.
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Photos: Iran's red gold traders thrive in isolation
Around 200,000 red strands must be plucked from Crocus Sativus flower to produce each pound of the world's most expensive spice.
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Photos: Iran's red gold traders thrive in isolation
A worker sorts and cleans saffron filaments at Iran's Novin Saffron factory in Touss industrial zone in Mashhad.
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Photos: Iran's red gold traders thrive in isolation
The spice has many uses, and is a staple of Persian cuisine.
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Photos: Iran's red gold traders thrive in isolation
The "red gold" is often used in festivals and celebrations, such as the Jain Mahamastak Abhisheka ceremony in India.
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Photos: Iran's red gold traders thrive in isolation
The highest quality saffron is distinguished by a yellow taper at one end. Lower grade or fraudulent spice is often given away by dust in the package.
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Photos: Iran's red gold traders thrive in isolation
Testing for quality. High class saffron has stronger color that instantly spreads through water.
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Photos: Iran's red gold traders thrive in isolation
Competition has grown from Afghanistan in recent years, where farmers have switched from cultivating the poppy.
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Photos: Iran's red gold traders thrive in isolation
Spain is also a producer, but the country has been accused of re-branding Iranian produce.
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