Tag: Picrocrocin

With a history spanning over 3,500 years, saffron remains the world's most expensive spice, primarily due to its labor-intensive harvest. The characteristic, brilliant golden-yellow color that makes it so valuable is directly attributed to a key chemical compound, crocin.

The world's most expensive spice, saffron, is prized for its unique properties, with studies revealing it contains over 150 volatile and non-volatile compounds that contribute to its color, flavor, and aroma. This guide explains what does saffron contain and the role of its bioactive components.

With more than 150 compounds identified in the precious spice saffron, scientists have pinpointed a select few that grant it its unique properties. These compounds represent what are the active ingredients in saffron, profoundly influencing its culinary, aromatic, and medicinal profile.