Can you imagine your life without spices? It is unlikely because salt is also a spice. What can we say about pepper, cinnamon, or cloves? But despite the long list of common seasonings that we use daily, many rare spices are worth their weight in gold. A kilogram of one fragrant plant can cost as much as a car. And all because of the long collection process or the difficulty of importing. Therefore, today we are introducing you to unusual spices, which are considered one of the most expensive in the world.
Saffron
This is the most expensive spice in the world and almost everyone knows about it. Its price can range from $1,100 to $10,000 per kg. This seasoning is created from a crocus flower, and it may take 100,000 flowers to produce just one kilogram of the spice. And through the large areas that are needed to grow flowers, and the rather complicated process of collecting petals, the seasoning costs almost like gold. Fortunately, the dishes require very few dry petals, but this is still a rather expensive spice and not so easy to find. After all, an ordinary dried flower is often hidden under the name “saffron”. But if you are lucky enough to taste the most expensive spice in the world, it will have a slightly floral aroma and a slightly bitter taste.
Pepper passilla
This rare hot pepper comes from Mexico. It is much spicier than other versions of chili. The price for 1 kg of pepper can reach $35. It is most often used in sauces, soups, and stews to add a smoky and savory flavor to a dish.
Asafoetida
Probably, you have not even heard such a name. But it’s a fairly simple spice that is the resin of a type of fennel. Asafoetida has a strong smell and taste similar to onions and garlic. This seasoning is often used in Indian cooking. Asafoetida powder comes in two forms. Brown powder is a very concentrated dried and ground spice that needs very little. A more popular form of spice is a mixture of asafoetida itself and fenugreek. The powder is most commonly used for flavor in vegetarian dishes, curries, and stews.
Sumakh
Sumakh is one of the most famous spices, although not quite deservedly. Because this powder is a versatile seasoning. The sumakh is created from the dark red berries of a bush of the cashew family, which grows predominantly in Africa and North America. And the spice is used most often in Turkey in salads, and in the Caucasus region as a marinade for meat. The sums taste sour, so it can be added instead of lemon. It goes well with poultry, fish, hummus, and meat. And thanks to its bright wine color, sumac can be sprinkled on a dish as a decoration.
Paradise grains
Sounds fantastic and tastes amazing. After all, this is a more aromatic and intense version of the classic black pepper, combining many different aromas: cardamom, coriander, citrus, ginger, nutmeg, and juniper. Therefore, they are often added to curries, stews, and even gingerbread. They make food warm and aromatic and serve as natural flavor enhancers. You can buy a kilogram of grains for 60-70 dollars.
Annato
It is a mild seasoning made from seeds grown in South and Central America. It has a deep red color and is often used as a natural color in a variety of foods. Annatto seeds have a slightly sweet and peppery taste, so they are also used to enhance the aromas of sauces and fish dishes.
Anardana
These are dried pomegranate seeds. The spice, like the pomegranate seeds themselves, has a sour and slightly fruity aroma. It can be combined with fish dishes or as a marinade for meat. In Indian cooking, this seasoning is commonly used in chutney. And in the Middle East, they love to add berries to baked goods and bread.
Juniper berries
Juniper is an evergreen shrub that bears small fruits — dark purple berries. Spices are made from them. Before use, dried berries should be crushed to reveal their full flavor. They are quite tart, slightly bitter, so they are often used to make gin. They are also advised to be added to wild meat.
Green cardamon
Green cardamom is not that common in supermarkets, as its price per 1 kg can reach $60. To fully reveal its aroma, you should distribute the seeds in a mortar or just with a fork. Then you will feel the bright aroma of the spice. Cardamom is also prized for its health benefits. After all, it is believed to reduce inflammation in the body and lower blood pressure.
Lime leaves kaffir
Since lime leaves have to be hand-picked from long, thorny branches, the price per spice is of course appropriate. It can be as high as $70 per kg. The long and painstaking process of collecting the leaves dictates the conditions for the sale. Therefore, the spice is not just expensive, but rather rare. It is very popular in Thailand, especially in local dishes.
