Every year, there are new posts about the most expensive meals in the world, which seem to get more extravagant, with caviar and gold leaves in abundance. However, a few foods stand out due to unique characteristics that differentiate them from the rest. Here are some of the most expensive foods still making headlines!
The reason these foods are so pricey is not without merit. Their high cost is primarily due to scarcity, time, or labor intensiveness. If you are lucky enough to have tried one of these costly items, take a moment to appreciate the long journey it had to travel to reach your plate.
1. Saffron ($20/gram)
Saffron is made from the three small stigmas of the saffron flower (Crocus sativus). It is often used in dishes such as paella, bouillabaisse, or risotto. You might have noticed how expensive it is for just a few tiny threads of saffron, and there’s a good reason for this. First, the process of hand-picking the flowers is extremely labor-intensive. Workers must be in the field early in the morning and carefully remove the stigmas from the delicate flowers. Second, only a small part of the flower is used as spice. In fact, it takes nearly 80,000 flowers to produce just one pound of saffron! If you’re looking for a cheaper substitute, you might try turmeric, which has a similar color, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
2. Iberian Ham ($4,000/leg)
Iberian ham is a Spanish delicacy produced from the Black Iberian pig. The curing process originally started as a means to preserve meat for the year, especially before refrigeration was available. The pigs have a high fat content in their muscle, so when the meat is cured (for up to four years!), this fat develops into an intense flavor. The pigs are fed acorns, which contribute antioxidants to the fat, making it more stable during the curing period and enhancing the flavor. The meat is salted and hung, curing for about 48 months. If you’re curious to taste this melt-in-your-mouth ham, you’ll need to find a specialized delicatessen or book a flight to Spain to try it where it originates!
3. Wagyu Beef ($400/steak)
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