Lunch at Azafran

Laurie writes: Had a great time with friends at lunch today. We ate at a little outdoor cafe at the mall called Azafran, which is Spanish for Saffron. While chatting online with a friend about our lunch, it occurred to me to do a bit of research about Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world. It is actually the "stigmas" (little thread-like things in the center of the blossom) of the crocus flower. There are 3 stigmas in each flower and 225,000 stigmas are required to produce one pound of saffron. These stigmas must be hand-picked, which is why the result is the most expensive spice around! Fortunately only a very tiny amount is needed in most dishes, since it has a strong flavor. Its most common use is as the coloring in yellow rice. Most saffron is grown in Spain, where it is the main seasoning (and coloring) in paella.