Expensive Spices are flavorings grew from plants, including the bark, seeds, leaves, or roots. The are best when you use them fresh, dried, or ground into a powder. Spices are not only for making curries and sabji but you can also use them for sweet and savoury dishes to enhance the flavour and aroma.
While some spices have been around for use for thousands of years, others are relatively new to the scene. Even though a vast array of spices are available, certain ones seem more popular than others. Here are three of the most popular spices and why they’re so popular.
There is no denying that spices can be expensive. But which ones are the most costly? Here are the five most expensive spices, ranked from least to most expensive.
5) Cardamom – This unique spice is popular in India and in world. It has multiple use in both sweet and savoury dishes and has a strong, pungent flavour. A single ounce of cardamom pods can cost upwards of $14.
4) Saffron – Saffron is perhaps the best-known of all the expensive spices. The threads of this crimson spice are plucked from the flower of Crocus sativus and then dried. Just half a teaspoon can cost around $5!
3) Vanilla Beans – Second, only to saffron in terms of price, vanilla beans are the fruit of an orchid plant. They’re harvested by hand and need to be cured before they can be used, making them quite labour-intensive (and pricey!) at $8 per ounce.
2) Truffles – These “diamonds of the kitchen” are actually a type of fungus that grows underground near tree roots. They have a distinctively earthy flavour that many people love, though they can come with a hefty price tag ranging from $500-$1,000 per pound!
1) Gold Leaf – Though technically not a spice, gold leaf is often use as a garnish for sweets and other dishes in specific cuisines. Its skinny sheets are made from pure gold and can cost upwards of $60 per sheet!
Conclusion
While some spices are more expensive than others, they can all add a unique flavour to your cooking. A little goes a long way, whether you use them in sweet or savoury dishes. The next time you’re at the store, pick up one of these five spices and see how it enhances your meals!
