Saffron is one of the most precious spices around the globe. The spice is primarily grown in Iran, Greece, Morocco, and India, and Iran is the biggest producer of its best quality. The saffron must be harvested only by hand! and in the mid-morning, the time when the flowers are still closed. It takes about 1,000 flowers to produce just about one ounce of saffron. Thatâs why it is the most expensive spice ever reported. saffron smells a bit like sweet hay, an aromatic fragrance!