The finds of the exotic spices were made during a marine archaeological excavation on the Danish King Hans' flagship the Vulture Hound, which was wrecked in the Ronneby archipelago in 1495. In addition to black pepper, ginger and saffron, cloves were also found.

For the researchers, this is a major discovery that offers an almost unique insight into how the elite of the Middle Ages fared.

Well preserved at Gribshunden

The saffron find is described as unique because it has never before been found in an archaeological context, Lund University announces in a press release.

- We could hardly believe our eyes when we found the saffron remains.

We checked several times to be sure, says Mikael Larsson.

Despite the fact that the spices lay at the bottom of the sea for more than 500 years, they are described as well preserved.

The saffron, for example, retained its aroma and was still red-orange

The good condition is probably due to the special marine environment of the Baltic Sea: low salt content and low temperatures.

The combination allows that plant material can then be preserved.

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Unique cannon find found already on the first day of diving Photo: Underwater photo: Phil Short