Est. 1941. www.spiceislands.com. Threads of saffron are the gold of spices. Precious and rare, saffron comes from a lovely violet crocus. Only three stigmas, or threads, are hand picked from each flower. 7500 flowers are needed to produce one pound of saffron! Pervasively fragrant and intensely flavored, a pinch of saffron pleasantly flavors an entire dish. Italian risotto, paella, Spanish and French seafood stews and Scandinavian sweet breads are a few classic saffron-scented dishes. For recipes visit www.spiceislands.com.