Here's How Farmers Harvest Saffron, The World's Most Expensive Spice, In Kashmir Valley

Saffron flowers bloom at a field in Pampore, south of Srinagar.

A farmer collects saffron flowers from their field in Pampore.

Kashmiri farmers separate stigma from the saffron crocus, during the saffron harvest in Pampore.

Saffron flowers are picked by farmers from their field.

Harvesting saffron requires a lot of physical labour to get the flowers from the field to final packaging.

A Kashmiri farmer shows saffron petals after being picked from flowers at a farm in Pampore.

The harvesting process plus its distinct flavor, smell, and color make it the most expensive spice in the world.

Saffron used in kitchens across the world, as a fabric and skin dye.

It's now widely used for medicinal purposes.

Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is the largest producer of Saffron in India and India is the 2nd highest producer of Saffron in the world.