Iran's homegrown treasure: the spice that costs more than gold

By Kieron Monks

Updated 1110 GMT (1910 HKT) September 3, 2015

Saffron pickers in Masshad, Iran, the hub of the global industry.
Photos: Iran's red gold traders thrive in isolation
Saffron pickers in Masshad, Iran, the hub of the global industry.
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Around 200,000 red strands must be plucked from Crocus Sativus flower to produce each pound of the world's most expensive spice.
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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A worker sorts and cleans saffron filaments at Iran's Novin Saffron factory in Touss industrial zone in Mashhad.
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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The spice has many uses, and is a staple of Persian cuisine.
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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The "red gold" is often used in festivals and celebrations, such as the Jain Mahamastak Abhisheka ceremony in India.
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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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.
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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Testing for quality. High class saffron has stronger color that instantly spreads through water.
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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Competition has grown from Afghanistan in recent years, where farmers have switched from cultivating the poppy.
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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Spain is also a producer, but the country has been accused of re-branding Iranian produce.
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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Rowhani saffron products.
Photos: Iran's red gold traders thrive in isolation
Rowhani saffron products.
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iran saffron fieldsaffrom flower crocussaffron factorySaffron dishsaffron festivalsaffron bunchsaffron boilingsaffron afghanistansaffron spain 2saffron rowhani products

Traders highlights the business of global trading by showcasing extraordinary individuals worldwide who are trading goods and services across borders. This article has been updated to reflect changes since the Iran nuclear deal.

(CNN)It is the most expensive and sought after spice in the world, commonly known as red gold.

At $65 per gram for the highest quality crop, Saffron can cost even more than the precious metal. Its value has been kept permanently high by labor-intensive harvesting methods that require around 200,000 delicate red strands to be hand-picked from 70,000 Crocus Sativa flowers for each pound.
The undisputed capital for saffron production is Iran, where the tradition dates back over 3,000 years. The country produces over 90% of the 250 tons produced worldwide each year, boosted by unique ecological conditions that deliver a strong-flavored, aromatic crop that is a staple of local cuisine, cosmetics and traditional medicine.
    The trade has received a boost from the