To revitalise the saffron farmers, Dr Allie is trying to breed hardier crocus plants. He uses a technique called mutation breeding in which the DNA of the plants is disrupted by exposing seeds to ...

That pound could cost you around $1,500. Above: A field of saffron crocus. Photograph by Shellie via Flickr. Or you can buy about 30 bulbs for less than $20, plant them, and grind your own saffron.