Saffron is a strange and precious gift to mankind, whose mystery and high price are fully justified by its legendary attributes recognized for over 4000 years. Among the worlds many wonderful spices, saffron is unique in its ability to not only add flavor and aroma to food, but also a deep rich color. Saffron threads are harvested by hand plucking of the red stigmas of the Crocus(Sativus L) flower. This a very tedious and painstaking artisan process(known as la monda) and briefly roasted(known as el tueste) over the dying embers of a fire. This process requires about 100,000 flowers to produce a single pound of saffron filaments. Grade 1(The finest La Mancha Quality) from Spanish Delight is one of the best produced in Spain. Production and distribution of Spanish saffron is very closely controlled. Lab results along with health and kosher certifications can be seen at www.azafranesalberola.com. Saffron has many claimed medicinal benefits for many afflictions such as alzheimers, cancer, depression, overweight, PMS, allergies and heart disease. This attractively boxed premium saffron makes an excellent gift for the discerning chef.