Discover the 10 Countries That Produce the Most Saffron

Saffron is one of the most sought-after, specialty spices out there. Its undeniably unique taste and texture have marked it as a must-have in most kitchens, and it’s the perfect addition to dishes like Risotto alla Milanese, roasted chicken, and Arroz con Perdiz. However, it’s considered a luxury–nicknamed red gold, saffron can cost upwards of $9,000 for a pound. It’s available in retail stores for $10 to $20 for a gram of real saffron. Some companies will dilute real, authentic saffron with safflower or other substitutes to sell for cheaper. Real and genuine saffron is more expensive because it’s incredibly labor-intensive to harvest from its plant, the saffron crocus. It can also take thousands of plants to get even just one ounce of the spice, as each plant only generates three threads of saffron. So where does saffron come from? Read on to discover which countries produce the most saffron!

10. Italy

Italy is the tenth-largest producer of saffron: the country exports approximately 38,179 pounds of the spice annually. It has about 50 to 55 hectares of land dedicated to the saffron harvest. Throughout the country, the regions of Sardinia, Abruzzo, Toscana, Umbria, and Marche all play a role in producing saffron. Over the course of centuries, saffron has been grown in the country and has been a part of many different Italian dishes, like risotto alla Milanese. This dish is known for its iconic yellow hue–a byproduct of the use of saffron!

9. India

Coming in ninth, India is next on the list of countries that produce the most saffron. The South Asian country exports approximately 46,422 pounds of saffron annually. Indian saffron differs from saffron from other countries, because it has a more peppery taste. It’s used in a variety of different curries and acts as a fantastic thickener in the kitchen. Popular Indian dishes that employ saffron in their recipes are Tandoori Paneer Tikka, Mango Kulfi, and Panha, a mango drink.

8. Afghanistan

Next on the list is Afghanistan, where 47,306 pounds of saffron is exported annually. Afghan saffron is unique in its silkiness and its resistance to drying. It’s popularly used in saffron chicken, saffron ladoo, and saffron phirni, some traditional Middle Eastern dishes. Afghan saffron has a floral taste about it and a bit of a bitter aftertaste. It’s more mellow than other saffrons. In 2016, Afghan saffron was rated the best in the world because of its unique consistency, flavors, and textures. Also, it is cheaper than saffron from other countries.

7. Netherlands

The Netherlands are the next country on the list–this European country produces approximately 48,750 pounds of saffron annually. Even though saffron is typically grown in countries along the Mediterranean and in the Middle East, the Netherlands have made their way into the saffron industry by growing the saffron crocus bulbs outside, and eventually transitioning them inside to grow under a special kind of lighting system. A popular Dutch dish that employs the use of saffron is the Dutch yellowtail fish with creamy saffron sauce.

6. Poland

Coming in at sixth, Poland exports on average 56,414 pounds of saffron per year. Polish dishes often have a large variety of different spices used in their dishes. In addition to saffron, the Polish will season their food with generous amounts of pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and mace, ginger, and more, the list is long. A popular Polish dish that uses saffron is Polish pike in white sauce. This century-old recipe is a Polish staple, often seen as a delicacy. It’s made to be Polish because of the amount of spices used–saffron, pepper, nutmeg, and ginger are the key in giving this dish the kick it needs.

5. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic produces approximately 114,704 pounds of saffron annually. This country, located in Central Europe, uses saffron liberally, despite producing so much of the spice. It can be found in dishes like saffron vegetable soup, trout with orange saffron sauce, and of course, it’s used in saffron rice.

4. Spain

Globally, Spain famously uses saffron in a variety of different Spanish dishes. It makes sense–Spain produces about 173,940 pounds of the spice annually. Saffron was introduced to Spain in the eighth century, and has been a staple of Spanish cuisine ever since. Perhaps the most famous use of saffron in Spanish food and culture is how it’s used in paella. Paella was first made in Valencia, Spain, and has become a dish known around the world. Additionally, saffron is used in Spanish stews, soups, sauces, and more. It’s very popular throughout the country because of all of the different uses it has. It’s so well-loved that it’s even used in some desserts, like ice cream!

3. United Kingdom

Saffron is grown and produced in the United Kingdom, with the British exporting approximately 262,656 pounds annually. It’s thought that the expensive spice was introduced to the United Kingdom in the 14th century. Eventually, it became widespread and became a common spice found throughout the country. The British use saffron in their salad dressings, soups and stews, and even use it to make saffron cookies!

2. China

Next, China produces the second-largest amount of saffron in the world. 329,776 pounds of red gold are exported annually from the Asian country. It’s thought that saffron was introduced to China by the Persians. However, the spice is discussed in the Shennong Bencaojing, a third-century Chinese medical text. This medicinal encyclopedia was thought to be written around 300-200 BCE. But now, it’s an incredibly popular item used throughout the country. Red gold is a key ingredient in saffron vegetable fried rice in addition to the classic saffron rice.

1. Iran

Finally, the country that produces the most saffron–Iran! Iran is the world’s largest exporter of saffron, shipping off about 616,430 pounds of the most expensive spice annually. In addition to being one of the countries that produces the most saffron, it was also first cultivated in Iran. The majority of saffron is made in the Khorasan province of Iran, which is now split into Razavi Khorasan, North Khorasan, and South Khorasan. Saffron is a key ingredient in many different Iranian dishes. Some staples are Persian saffron chicken, tahchin, joojeh kabab, and shole zard.

Summary of the Top Countries That Produce the Most Saffron

To conclude, saffron is the world’s most expensive spice, by far. It can cost upwards of $9,000 for just a pound of the spice. Another nickname for saffron is red gold, because of how expensive it can get to be, even for small amounts of the spice. The top three countries that produce the most saffron are Iran, China, and the United Kingdom, each exporting more than 200,000 pounds annually of this incredible spice. Saffron is frequently in use throughout the Middle East and Europe but is also popular in other countries. The most popular use of red gold is in saffron rice, a staple all over the world. So while it can be quite expensive, it’s more often than not worth the price tag!