They are growing the world's most expensive spice in Canada. Here's how

As golden hour settles over Avtar Dhillon’s farm in Abbotsford, B.C., rows of delicate purple flowers are in full bloom.

Inside their petals grow crimson threads of the world’s most expensive spice — saffron.

“[It’s] my dream to do something different for Abbotsford,” says Dhillon.

The farmer’s labour of love began budding in 2021. He says he was the first to grow the ancient spice on a larger scale in B.C. — and only among a handful in the country. But shortly after his first successful crop, Dhillon was left heartbroken.

The B.C. floods in November of that year devastated his farm, leaving nearly 250,000 crocus sativus, commonly known as saffron bulbs, under muddied water. Despite the loss, Dhillon says he remained committed to making Abbotsford the saffron capital of B.C.

Farmer