Photographer portrays planting ' most expensive spice in the world ' in Kashmir

( Grown originally in Greece , saffron has been grown for hundreds of years also in Kashmir )

The Kashmir region administered by India , is known for its high quality turmeric , a spice used since antiquity in the manufacture of beverages and as a spice and dye.

Saffron is grown commercially in India , Spain and Iran But the variety of Kashmir is considered the best and most expensive . A pound of spice can cost almost $ 3000 .

Photographer Abid Bhat traveled to a field of saffron town of Pampore on to find out as the most expensive spice in the world is grown .

Fields of saffron are a major attraction for tourists in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains , the lilac flowers exude the most gorgeous perfume. Over 75,000 crocus flowers are needed to produce less than half a pound of the spice .

The small town of Pampore , where thousands of acres of land are used for cultivation of saffron , is located a half hour drive from the summer capital of Kashmir Srinagar . Pampore is often called the city of the Kashmir açafão .

Saffron is used extensively in medicine and in cooking in Kashmir . Some say that the spice is an aphrodisiac .

source :http://comidasebebidas.uol.com.br/noticias/bbc/2013/12/27/fotografo-retrata-plantio-de-tempero-mais-caro-do-mundo-na-caxemira.htm