Saffron is the most expensive food item by weight in the world. It consists of the dried stigmas of the Saffron Crocus flower (*Crocus sativus*). The high price is due to the labor-intensive harvesting process: each flower has only three tiny, thread-like stigmas, which must be hand-picked. It takes approximately 75,000 flowers to produce just one pound of dried saffron. Harvesting must be done at dawn before the flowers wilt. Saffron contains a chemical called crocin, which gives food a rich golden-yellow hue, and safranal, which provides its distinct aroma. Iran currently produces about 90% of the world's supply. Because it is so valuable, saffron is one of the most frequently faked everyday spices, often replaced with dyed corn silk or safflower.