Saffron
 
Saffron is the slender, dried, reddish-brown, flattened stigma of a small crocus of the iris family and is the most expensive spice in the world.

Its aroma is unique and there is no substitute for it. In India, saffron is grown in Kashmir.

Saffron is water-soluble and when added to the dish, gives a pure and homogeneous color. In high dosage, saffron exhibits toxic qualities.

Saffron is used in dished of Central Asia and Northern India apart from the North Indian biryanis. It is also used in many Indian sweets like, kheer, ras malai, Indian yogurt drink, butter lassi, badam shake etc.