Most of us have heard that saffron is expensive. Some might even know it's a spice that comes from a flower. Still, few truly grasp why this crimson thread commands prices that rival precious metals.

Producing 1 kilogram of saffron requires up to 200,000 crocuses to be harvested, but Bardia Ilbeiggi from Vancouver’s Delara says adding it to your guest’s dishes shows you care Chef-owner Bardia ...