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Gold leaf most expensive food in the world

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Press Trust Of India New York
Last Updated : Jan 29 2013 | 1:55 AM IST

If you thought an expensive commodity like gold is in vogue only for its use in jewellery and investment purposes, think again — it is also the most expensive food in the world!

According to a list of the world’s priciest foods, compiled by Fortune Small Business, a group magazine of business publication Fortune, edible gold leaf is the most expensive with a price tag of $15,000 a pound.

The Indian connection in this list is saffron, the most expensive spice for which India is a key growing nation, which has been named as the fourth priciest food in the world after gold leaf, white truffles and caviar.

However, edible gold leaf is a leader with a wide margin with a price tag that is close to ten times that of saffron, priced at $1,500 and above a pound, as per the list.

According to Fortune Small Business which is part of global media conglomerate CNN - Time Warner group, gold is a mineral that is safe to eat, although it is not an essential part of the human diet.

Edible gold leaf is followed by white truffles as the second costliest food with a price tag of $6,000 and above and caviar at the third slot for $1,550 and up.

Saffron, ranked fourth in the list, the most expensive spice, is usually sold by the gram and is grown primarily in Spain, Iran, Greece and India, the magazine said.

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These are followed by kobe beef at the fifth place, civet coffee at sixth, vanilla at seventh, Foie gras at eighth and tigerfish at the ninth rank.

On edible gold leaf, the report quoting a store owner said, “Bakers and bartenders use the precious metal to make dazzling treats for holidays and other special occasions... For elaborate parties, people add gold sprinkles to glasses of champagne or signature martinis.” Once considered an aphrodisiac by the ancient Greeks and Romans, the high price of truffles is “due to their unpredictable growth habits”.

The report further added, “... No one has been able to domesticate them, relying instead on trained dogs and pigs to sniff them out.... Truffle hunters, known as truffeculteurs, work alone; their proven locations are closely guarded secrets.”

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First Published: Aug 03 2008 | 12:00 AM IST

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