Cooking Tip

Saffron Substitutes

Tumeric is also known as Indian saffron, but do be careful when using turmeric as it has a rather strong flavor and can overwhelm your food.

• Saffron comes either powdered or in threads (the whole stigmas). Powdered saffron loses its flavor more readily and can easily be adulterated with less expensive powders like turmeric.
• You can also use safflower, but use 8 times as much. Safflower is less expensive and imparts similar color, but taste is inferior.
• Try marigold blossoms if you're looking to match color, not flavor. Use twice as much.
• Lastly, annatto seeds. Steep 1 teaspoon annatto seeds in 1/4 cup of boiling water for 30 minutes, discard seeds. Reduce liquid in recipe by 1/4 cup.

See also: Turmeric Root