Saffron is a very famous and rare spice. It gives food a golden color and a sweet flavor. But saffron is very expensive because it takes much time and effort to collect. Besides, some people may find it difficult to obtain. So, they look for other spices which taste or look similar.
Chefs would like spices that are golden in color when they use it in recipes. Some want spices that add some health benefit, such as digestion or relaxing effect on them, just as saffron has. Let’s see some herbs and spices that could replace saffron in a recipe below.
Turmeric: The Golden Spice for Color
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice which is made from a root. It is rather like saffron in how it makes food such a deep color. Turmeric does taste somewhat earthy and bitter-not sweet. People use it in rice, in soups, and in curries to get that golden look.
For instance, turmeric is healthy too. Turmeric does the body good as it battles swelling and encourages good digestion. Some individuals claim that turmeric is helpful in losing weight, too. It’s an excellent saffron substitute because it’s cheaper and relatively easy to get.
Annatto: A Vibrant Orange Spice
It comes from small seeds and adds a very bright orange-red color to food. Compared to saffron, this ingredient tastes light peppery and is not as sweet. You can use annatto in cheese, sauce, and rice dishes.
Apart from that, annatto has other health benefits. Annatto aids digestion and energy. Mostly, those who feel that color is more important than the taste prefer annatto as a substitute for saffron.
Marigold Petals: A Flower and Sweet Option
The dry marigold petals or “poor man’s saffron,” are useful for food that gives a light floral flavor and a warm yellow color. They are good for soups, rice, and stews. The marigold petals will also give someone calm feelings and improve digestion. They cannot provide the same flavor as saffron, but they are much cheaper and available in herbal shops.
Safflower: The Counterfeit Spice
Safflower bears a superficial resemblance to saffron since both have red and orange threads. It is far less flavorful than saffron and not nearly as potent. The chefs use the Safflower to tint food, such as rice and soups.
Although safflower lacks the pleasing effect on mood like that of saffron, it is very healthy for the body. It contains antioxidants and keeps heart health intact. On the other hand, safflower is cheaper, hence is used widely.
Paprika-Paprika is a spicy and colorful spice.
Paprika is ground red peppers, a spice adding a bright color and sweet, smoky flavor to food. Though tasting different from saffron, paprika does some wonders in savory dishes like stews and soups.
Paprika does good for the body too. It can be used to help enhance the digestion process, boost up the metabolism, and provide essential antioxidants. Many cooks use paprika when they need to add both flavor and color to their dishes.
Calendula: Gentle Floral Herb
Calendula flower petals impart a gentle, floral flavor and a golden color to dishes. Some people make tea with the flowers, but others add them to stews, and use them even with rice. Calendula is not quite as strong as saffron, however will lend some subtle sweetness.
This herb also reduces stress levels and aids in digestion. Calendula is easily obtained in herbal stores and is less expensive than saffron. There are plenty of benefits associated with using this spice for food as well as health purposes.
Sumac: A Tart and Vibrant Spice
Sumac is a reddish spice with a sour, lemony flavor. It’s wonderful in salads, with grilled meats, and with rice. Sumac is not similar to the taste of saffron but adds vibrancy to food.
Sumac also facilitates digestion and can control the blood sugar level. It boosts metabolism and so, useful in weight loss. Sumac adds a flavoring dimension to many dishes. Instead of saffron, sumac is used in savory dishes.
Vanilla: The Sweet Addition to the Desserts
If you are looking for a saffron replacement in desserts, vanilla is a good choice. Vanilla sweetens and warms cakes, puddings, and ice cream. Even though it may taste different, vanilla can still replace the sweet taste of saffron in most recipes.
Vanilla even has some health benefits. It calms the minds of people and reduces stress. Although it would not add color to the food, vanilla is excellent for sweet dessert recipes that require an intense flavor.
Which Spice or Herb to Use?
There are many herbs and spices that can substitute for saffron. If you need color, use one of the following in place of saffron: turmeric, annatto, or safflower. For floral taste, such options are marigold, calendula, or even vanilla. And if health benefits will be the foundation of your interest, try turmeric, sumac, or paprika.
None of these spices will be a substitute for saffron but each has its own utility. You can give some of these spices a try and find which one applies to your recipe or health needs. With a little creativity you will be able to enjoy those yummy dishes without too much expenditure on saffron!
Conclusion
Those herbs or spices replace saffron in flavor can not replace it in the benefits. Some of those ingredients that could replace saffron but give the same color or close to the same color include turmeric, annatto, or safflower.
Flavor can also be replaced like marigold, calendula, or vanilla if you need floral flavor, or turmeric, paprika, and sumac when referring to nutrients that you would look for for health reasons.
Although none of these alternatives can be as beneficial as the actual properties of saffron, each of them has its own kind of superiority. You may try different herbs or spices and choose one which suits your taste and health objectives. And with a little bit of creativity, you will savor the delicious preparations without spending so much on saffron!
