These little yellow threads add flavour and colour to the traditional rice dish paella. While saffron is expensive, a tiny bit goes a long way. Saffron has antioxidant qualities and supplies selenium, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. Its slightly pungent, herbal taste and stunning hue dominate in the cuisines of the Middle East, but its allure crosses cultures into Europe’s glamorous Mediterranean coast.

Its mystic allure, according to the Knights of Arabia, who used this elusive ingredient in concoctions, is believed to be most effective on women. The Romans adopted a slightly differing opinion, using saffron to scent the baths of both aristocratic gentlemen and their female lovers.