What is the Most Expensive Spice By Weight?

The most expensive spice by weight is saffron. Saffron is derived from the Crocus sativus flower and consists of the stigma and styles of the plant. It is highly prized for its distinctive flavor, aroma, and vibrant yellow color it imparts to dishes. Saffron has a labor-intensive harvesting process as each flower only produces a few threads, which must be carefully hand-picked. It takes a large number of flowers to yield a small amount of saffron, contributing to its high cost.

Due to its rarity and the amount of labor involved in its production, saffron can be extremely expensive. The price of saffron can vary depending on factors such as quality, origin, and market demand. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, saffron could range from around $500 to over $5,000 per pound, making it significantly more expensive than other spices. However, it’s worth noting that prices can fluctuate over time and across different suppliers and regions.