Editing Crocus (section)

=== Saffron ===
{{Main|Saffron}}

The economic importance of the genus is largely dependent on the single species, ''[[Crocus sativus]]'', now known only in cultivation.{{sfn|Janick et al|2010}} ''C. sativus'' is grown for the production of [[saffron]], an orange-red derivative of its dried [[Stigma (botany)|stigma]], and among the most expensive spices in the world.{{sfn|Petersen et al|2008}} The estimated worldwide production of ''C. sativus'' plants is 205 tons.{{sfn|Kafi et al|2018}} About 180,000 stigmas from 60,000 flowers are required to produce {{convert|1|kg|lb|1}} saffron, which sells for about US$10,000 (2018). Modern saffron production is widely cultivated in [[Kashmir]], Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan and the Mediterranean from Spain to Asia Minor.{{sfn|Kafi et al|2018}} An important center is the [[eponym]]ous town of [[Krokos]], in the Kozani region of Greece. The saffron product, Krokos Kozanis is a PDO ([[Protected designation of origin|Protected Designation of Origin]]).{{sfn|European Commission|2022}}{{sfn|Negbi|1999}} Production is largely indigenous and Iran accounts for 65% of global production, covering 72,162&nbsp;ha.{{sfn|Kafi et al|2018}}

Saffron is thought to have been used in [[embalming]] in [[Ancient Egypt]]. It is mentioned in the [[Old Testament]], in the [[Song of Songs]] as a precious spice and has featured as a dye and fragrance throughout written history, with mention in the ''[[Iliad]]''.{{sfn|Kafi et al|2018}}

Cultivation and harvesting of ''C. sativus'' for saffron was first documented in the Mediterranean, notably on the island of [[Crete]]. [[Fresco]]s showing them are found there at the [[Bronze Age]] [[Minoan civilization|Minoan]] site of [[Knossos]], as well as from the comparably aged [[Akrotiri (prehistoric city)|Akrotiri]] site on the [[Aegean Sea|Aegean]] island of [[Santorini]],{{sfn|Trakoli|2021}}{{sfn|Palyvou |2005|p=71}} and formed an important part of the Minoan economy and culture and had both a sacred role and use as a [[psychoactive drug]] and [[food additive]].{{sfn|Dewan|2015}}{{sfn|Betancourt|2007}}{{sfn|Kafi et al|2018}} Women still gather crocuses in the Akrotiri region.{{sfn|Palyvou |2005|p=17}}