Top 5 Saffron Substitutes

Saffron cooking is almost a luxury for many of us. Saffron is amongst the most expensive spices in the world it is, delicate, and aromatic. It can seem difficult to cook with saffron. Knowing what spices you should use can help.

You know how essential saffron is if you love Spanish, Mediterranean or Moroccan cuisines. Although it may seem difficult to find this spice sometimes, why should we sacrifice our favorite foods? It can save you time and money by finding a substitute.

What is Saffron?

This bright red spice has been regarded as one of the most delicate in the entire world. The saffron-crocus flower is where you get your saffron. This spice is now available in India, Greece, Morocco, and of course Iran. The Iranian saffron comes in different types and it is known around the world for its purity.

Saffron has a subtle, aromatic aroma. It is complex and slightly sweet. It only grows for a week each year, so harvesting must be done by hand in the morning. One ounce of saffron will require approximately 1,000 flowers. This makes it difficult to find and expensive.

It may not be readily available all year round. And if it is, it can run up to $15 per kilogram. Therefore, people keep it for special occasions and substitute it in their day-to-day cooking.

Saffron Substitutes

These saffron substitutes are available because saffron is difficult and expensive to find. They can be used in many dishes and recipes.

1. Turmeric

This herb is often considered a superfood because of its powerful antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is also flavorful, and it has a strong yellow-orange hue. Some places sell turmeric mixed with some saffron in order to save money.

Turmeric can be used to cook many dishes, including risottos, paellas, biryanis, and curry. You can use the exact amount as your recipe calls for, but turmeric has a stronger earthy taste. To make the dish more subtle and sweet, you may add some other spices.

2. Safflower

This spice is also known as Mexican saffron. Safflower is a different variety of saffron and has a milder flavor. Safflower can be used in the same way as saffron. However, you might want to add more spices for an aromatic flavor.

People often confuse saffron and safflower. However, they are not the same thing, and the former is cheaper. Safflower can be used in paella, risotto, and pasta as well as biryani and sauces. This spice can be found at your local grocery or Latin American food store.

3. Sweet Paprika

Because it is so easy to find sweet paprika, it can be used as a replacement for saffron. Paprika is a bright red color with a slightly bitter taste. For every teaspoon of saffron you use, replace it with 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika.

Sweet paprika can be found all over the place, but you might want to check out the spice section of your local organic or grocery store. This spice can be used to make paella, sauces, and biryani. For a similar flavor to saffron, you can add more spices.

4. Cardamom

Cardamom’s flavor is earthy, sweet, and spicy. However, it can still be used in certain dishes. Cardamom can be found in specialty shops, grocery stores, and organic markets. You should use about half as much cardamom as saffron because it has a stronger flavor and aroma.

Cardamom can be used to make soups, sauces, and other dishes. Cardamom can sometimes be too strong for some people.

5. Annatto

This ingredient comes from the seeds and berries of the achiote tree. It can be more difficult to use annatto. For about half an hour, you will need to soak about 1 teaspoon of the seeds in oil or water.

Strain the liquid and use it in your cooking. To replicate the flavors of saffron, you can add more spices or sweetness. It may be difficult to find this liquid, so you might try a Latin American specialty or food store.