Expensive tastes

Sardinian saffron could soon become the most expensive spice in the world.

The Italian government have asked the European Commisssion to give the product, first introduced to Sardinia by Phoenician traders, PDO (Protected Desination of Origin) status.

The spice which is gathered from the stigma of the crocus flower is incredibly labour intensive and can command prices of up to 7,500 euros a kilo.

Italy claims the special properties of its Sardinian saffron - its colouring power and aroma - stem directly from the soil and climate of the Meditterranean island.

If the application is successful the spice will be marketed with a specific label bearing the PDO logo.