Economy of Iran spices including cumin and sumac. Iran is the world's largest producer of saffron, pistachios, honey, berberis and berries and the second largest date producer. Meat and dairy products include lamb, goat meat, beef, poultry, milk, eggs, butter, and cheese. Non-food products include wool, leather, and silk. Forestry products from the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains are economically important. Tree-cutting is strictly controlled by the government, which also runs a reforestation program. Rivers drain into the Caspian Sea and are fished for salmon, carp, trout, pike, and sturgeon that produce caviar, of which Iran is the largest producer. Since the
Trade and use of saffron Research in China is ongoing. In Europe saffron threads were a key component of an aromatic oil known as "crocinum", which comprised such motley ingredients as alkanet, dragon's blood (for colour), and wine (again for colour). "Crocinum" was applied as a perfume to hair. Another preparation involved mixing saffron with wine to produce a viscous yellow spray; it was copiously applied in sudoriferously sunny Roman amphitheatres—as an air freshener. Books Journal articles Miscellaneous Trade and use of saffron Saffron is a key seasoning, fragrance, dye, and medicine in use for over three millennia. One of the world's most expensive spices