Imeretian saffron is dried petals of marigolds (lat. Tagétes). Flowers are collected at a certain period, dried and only the petals are taken, which are ground into powder. While ordinary saffron is dried crocus stigmas (lat. Crócus satívus). Due to the fact that one crocus flower produces only 3 stigmas, and about 200,000 pieces are required per kilogram, the cost of saffron is quite high. Also, very often sellers give out cheaper turmeric (lat. Cúrcuma) for Imeretian saffron. Although if you taste the spice, then after turmeric there is a noticeable bitterness.