Saffron is one of the costliest spices in the market. It isn’t a cost-effective option for common people to use this spice in cooking. If you don’t have it, or can’t afford it, then there are a few other cheaper and popular condiments to use as a saffron substitute. Unfortunately, some of the alternative options we have found are also scarce like saffron.
What is Saffron?
Saffron is a reddish-orange-colored, pungent stigma of the autumn crocus (Crocus Sativus). The saffron threads (whole stigma) are dried and used as a spice to flavor or color foods, in cosmetics products, and alternative medicines.
In cooking, this exotic spice adds its musky astringent flavor profile and a delightful aroma. Its earthy and floral taste is truly appetizing. Bakers use it for rendering a vibrant reddish-orange color to baked goods, cakes, desserts, and many more. Saffron is central to some of the popular dishes like paella, risotto, bouillabaisse, and pilaf.
About 80% of saffron production in the world is done in a few small regions of Iran and Spain. The scarcity of this spice makes it an expensive and exotic spice unaffordable for most home cooks.
What Can You Use as a Saffron Substitute?
The vibrant color and unique floral taste of saffron thread aren’t replaceable with another spice. However, there are a few cheap and easy mediocre saffron substitutes that you can use in an emergency. Note, if you want the authentic taste of paella, saffron rice patties, or Italian saffron risotto, then you have to use the real thing.
Here are some of the alternatives worth considering:
1. Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as Indian saffron, golden spice, or saffron of the Indies, is the most recommended substitute for saffron. In fact, the famous Middle Eastern spice merchants of the past used to lace saffron with turmeric to cut the cost. Turmeric is a cheaper and easily available replacement ingredient for coloring food.
The acrid flavor of turmeric can overpower your dish if used in large quantities.
Some chefs suggest using a mixture of paprika and turmeric to achieve a better-rounded flavor close to saffron. Use a mixture of ½ teaspoon paprika and ¼ teaspoon turmeric to prepare this blend.
Usually, ¼ teaspoon of ground turmeric is more than enough for a dish meant for 5 servings.
2. Safflower
Safflower, also known as Mexican saffron, is commercially cultivated for vegetable oil extracted from the seeds. In the early Spanish colonies, it was used along with the Rio Grande as a substitute for saffron.
Safflower and saffron are two totally different species of plants with no similarities in flavors. The dried stigmas of this flower are mostly used for its vibrant color that is similar to saffron.
You can decide the substitute ratio of these two ingredients depending on the preferred color texture for your dish. Usually, safflower is used in more quantity to achieve a color similar to saffron. It works best for coloring soups, slow-cooked seafood, and liquid-rich savory dishes.
3. Annatto
Annatto is an orange-red condiment and food coloring ingredient obtained from the seeds of the achiote tree mostly grown in Mexico and Brazil. This condiment, nicknamed “poor man’s saffron”, is undoubtedly an effective replacement for saffron.
Usually, the annatto seeds are kept soaked in water or vegetable oil for 30 minutes, and then use the strained liquid extract in your dishes like paella or risotto. Use one teaspoon of annatto for every ¼ cup of extract. When you are using annatto liquid extract in your recipe reduce other liquids in the dish in proportion to it.
4. Marigold flowers
Edible yellow marigold flower petals are country man’s humble saffron alternative for coloring foods.
Use the dried and ground petals of the marigold flower in your recipe. Note that edible marigold flowers taste citrusy to subtly spicy, thus overuse of this condiment may alter the flavor of your dish.
5. Cardamom
Cardamom does not render the color of saffron but their flavors complement each other. Of course, the earthy, sweet flavor of cardamom is different from that of saffron. However, most of the sweet and savory dishes with a blend of cardamom and saffron are used for better taste.
Using cardamom in place of saffron in some dishes is a gratifying option. This substitution works great in desserts, pilaf, and herbal tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does saffron taste like?
Saffron adds a unique, slightly sweet, and earthy taste with hints of flowers and honey to dishes. Since it's a subtle flavor, a little goes a long way without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Why is saffron so expensive?
Saffron costs a lot because it's hard to make. Each saffron flower has just three tiny parts used for the spice, and these must be picked by hand and quickly dried. You need 75,000 flowers to get just one pound of saffron.
How much saffron to use?
Use saffron sparingly; a pinch of about 20 threads is sufficient to flavor a dish for four people. Too much can overwhelm the dish with a bitter taste. It's best to start with less and add to taste, as its flavor is intense.
How much saffron to use in rice?
For every cup of rice, just 1/8 teaspoon of saffron threads will add a nice taste. If you like it stronger, go up to 1/4 teaspoon per cup.
Can saffron cause anxiety?
Saffron might make some people feel anxious, but this doesn't happen often and usually if you have too much. In 2020, research on 23 studies showed it usually helps reduce anxiety, though a few people did feel more anxious as a side effect.
How many saffron threads in a gram?
There are approximately 463 saffron threads in one gram of saffron. This number can vary depending on the quality and size of the saffron threads, but it is a good general rule of thumb to use.
How many saffron flowers to make a gram?
To get one gram of saffron spice, you need about 167 flowers since only three tiny strands from each flower are used.
How much saffron to use in tea?
For a cup of tea, use 2-3 pinches of saffron for a light flavor. If you prefer it stronger, you can add 5-6 pinches per cup.
Final Thoughts
There is not a single spice or condiment that can recreate the flavor of saffron thread. If the flavor is your core concern then there is no choice other than to use saffron itself. Turmeric is the best saffron substitute for coloring your dish. Other viable alternatives include safflower, yellow marigold flower, and annatto.
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