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

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(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.