Saffron - dried stigmas of crocus (Crocus sativus) Science Image

Ref: 80200468a



Saffron, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Saffron is a spice derived from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus flower (Crocus sativus). Also visible are crocus pollen grains. The three stigmas from each flower are picked by hand during Autumn and quickly dried to be used either for cooking, flavouring or as a colourant. By weight, saffron is the worlds most expensive spice. Magnification: x7.2 when printed 10 centimetres wide.