saffron

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Americans Love Spices. So Why Don't We Grow Them?

The United States leads the world in spice consumption, but also in spice imports. Nikada/Getty Images/iStockphoto hide caption

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Nikada/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Americans Love Spices. So Why Don't We Grow Them?

December 26, 2017 • Buying local fruit, vegetables and meat has become increasingly popular in the United States, but we still import most of our spices. Some say homegrown spices are a growth opportunity for farmers.

In Sun-Starved Sweden, Bright Yellow Saffron Spices Up Winter

On Santa Lucia Day in Sweden, it's tradition to dress as the Sicilian saint and serve coffee and lussebullar (saffron buns) in her honor. Sven Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Sven Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images

In Sun-Starved Sweden, Bright Yellow Saffron Spices Up Winter

December 23, 2016 • So how did these prized threads from the crocus flower end up lacing through dark northern winters? It's a story of high-value seasonings, Sicilian saints and pagan rituals.

How Afghanistan Vets Are Trying To Cultivate Peace Through Saffron

At about $15 a gram, saffron is the world's most expensive spice. Rumi Spice has a unique model of employing Afghan farmers who are growing it that aims to double or even triple their annual income. Cristina Hirschkorn/Courtesy of Rumi Spice hide caption

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Cristina Hirschkorn/Courtesy of Rumi Spice

The Salt

How Afghanistan Vets Are Trying To Cultivate Peace Through Saffron

CBC Music

December 8, 2014 • Afghanistan has an ideal climate for growing saffron, the most expensive spice in the world. But little is exported. Rumi Spice is working with small farmers there to build the U.S. market for it.