Since ancient times, spices have become an inseparable part of the life of the world community. Spices are parts of plants that have a distinctive aroma and are used in food as both a flavoring and a preservative.
The price of spices in the international market is quite diverse. Some of them are considered the most expensive spices in the world. Here are the five most expensive spices in the world in 2021 according to Luxury Columnist.
1. Saffron
Saffron was asked to be the most expensive spice in the world because it was sold at a price of US $ 1,000/0.5 kg. Saffron is the most expensive spice because to be able to get 454 grams of dry saffron requires as many as 75,000 flower stalks. The picking process is not easy because it must be done manually.
2. Fennel Pollen
Fennel Pollen (fennel pollen) takes second place at a price of US$ 450/0.5 kg Although it is not difficult to grow fennel, the pollen must be picked manually by hand and produces only a small amount. Fennel pollen has a very distinctive taste with aromas of anise, citrus, liquorice, pepper and turmeric.
3. Vanilla Seeds
At a price of US$ 200/0.5 kg, vanilla beans are ranked as the third most expensive spice in the world. Manual pollination and cumbersome cultivation make vanilla one of the most expensive spices in the world. Indonesia is the largest exporter of vanilla after Madagascar and Mexico.
4. Mahlab
Mahlab occupies the fourth position with a price of US$ 69/0.5 kg. This spice is still foreign to most Indonesian people. Mahlab is a rare spice that only grows in Southern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. This is what makes mahlab one of the most expensive spices in the world.
5. Long Pepper
With a price of US $ 47/0.5 kg long pepper or long pepper occupies the fifth most expensive spice in the world. This spice is easily found in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It has almost the same taste as black pepper, but long pepper is hard to find.