saffron, n.Trivia

Saffron used to be used by Greek courtesans (prostitutes for the royals and wealthy men)

Sleeping on saffron-stuffed pillows was a hang-overs among the Romans

saffron is the world's most expensive spice

Saffron is difficult to harvest. It takes 14,000 stigmas to produce only one ounce of saffron threads

Saffron-infused baths were popular among the Romans

Saffron was mentioned by Galen and Hippocrates as a treatment for coughs, colds, stomach ailments, insomnia, uterine bleeding, scarlet fever, heart trouble, and flatulence.

One pound of saffron requires approximately 75000 flowers, which need to be plucked by hand

Saffron is the world's most expensive spice, costing up to $315/oz. to $5,040/lb.

Saffron comes from the Arabic word, "zafaran" which means yellow

Saffron is the official color of Buddhist robes in India, its color coming from crocin found in saffron

Saffron was so expensive during the middle ages, any traders in Bavaria discovered selling it cut with yellow marigold petals was burned alive.

Saffron stigmas are usually separated from the stigma of the crocus flower by elderly women