Spicy Currency

The well known spice routes are believed to have been formed as early as 2000 BC, but spices were being traded much earlier in the Neolithic era, around 10,000 BC. Many spices commonly used today have varied greatly in value throughout history and some have even been used as currency. Nutmeg was once worth more than gold when measured by weight. While spices may not be standard currency today, we still place a high premium on some of our spices. 

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​Saffron 
Saffron, when measured by weight, is the most expensive spice in the world. Just one pound of saffron can cost upwards of $10,000 USD! The spice has to be harvested by hand by removing the stigmas from the crocus flower, which only blooms twice a year. To make matters more difficult, each flower only has a couple of stigmas on it. This means that one pound of saffron requires around 100,000 flowers.

Vanilla
The world's second most expensive spice is the vanilla bean. Prices can vary wildly depending on the origin of the vanilla. It is not uncommon to purchase Madagascar vanilla or Tahitian vanilla for $200 per pound. The vanilla pods have a long harvesting process. Just being laid out to try can take 2-6 months. The high price of vanilla was exacerbated in recent years as two major contributing countries had a poor growing season in the same year.

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​​Cardamom 
​Ranking at number 3 in the world's most expensive spices is cardamom. With 2 varieties, the pods can be purchased for $30 per pound ($90 if they are organic). Like vanilla and saffron, cardamom requires careful attention to ensure that it is harvested at the correct stage of maturity. 

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​The least expensive spices in the world are currently cinnamon, black pepper, and cumin. It is noteworthy, though, that there was a time when black pepper was one of the spices used as currency. Shifts in growing seasons and world relationships will undoubtedly continue to alter the value or our beloved spices.