Saffron, primarily grown in Kashmir, India, ranks among the most expensive culinary items globally, valued higher per ounce than even gold. Let's look at a few of the costlier gourmet foods as per a report by BBC...
The valuable strands come from the blooms of the Crocus sativus. Its deep red filaments -- taken from the flower’s centre -- are gathered & dried. They add special flavour and a lovely golden tint to a dish.
The eggs from the ovaries of the sea fish sturgeon, once preserved is viewed as one of the finest luxury foods. The best-known variety is from the beluga species, found in the waters of the Caspian and Black Seas.
The bivalve saltwater shell creatures are also a symbol of dining extravagance. 12 cost close to £51 in a fancy London joint. Oyster beds are found in China, Japan, France, Australia & Chesapeake Bay, USA.
In northern Italy’s Piedmont, pale truffles grow near select tree roots. Scarce and powerfully scented, once a giant 1.5 kg truffle sold for $330,000 (£165,000).
As per Guinness World Records, the priciest cured pork limb -- from the rare black Iberian pig -- sold was for £3,600 in 2018 from an organic jamon-selling farm in southern Spain. The best retails for £1,200 a kilo
Wagyu means beef from Japan and comes from 1 of 4 native cattle types. Known for its rich fat marbling, it becomes soft and juicy when heated. Kobe, a top-grade variety, costs up to £500 per kilo in Japan.
With prices reaching $700 per kilo, this brew also has its place in this list. Known as civet coffee, it’s crafted from beans passed through the digestive system of the Asian palm civet.
A costly and controversial spread prepared from the enlarged liver of force-fed ducks or geese is another highly-expensive delicacy.