11 Gourmet Indian Ingredients Worth the Price

6. Kashmiri Saffron (Kesar) — Tiny strands, outsized aroma and color

Kesar is one of those ingredients where a pinch makes a dramatic difference. True Kashmiri saffron is prized for its deep color and floral, honeyed aroma. Harvesting saffron is labor-intensive; workers pick stigmas by hand from each crocus flower, which explains why the spice commands a higher price. A few strands in warm milk, rice, or desserts give them a particular perfume you won’t get from synthetic colorings.