Food - Drink
The More Affordable Saffron Alternative You Should Try
By AUTUMN SWIERS
Saffron is the golden-colored stigma of the crocus, a purple flower, and is famous for being the world’s most expensive spice. Saffron's manufacturing process is long and laborious, and it takes 75,000 crocus flowers to produce just one pound of saffron, but there is a much more affordable alternative for thrifty cooks.
Turmeric is an Ayurvedic herb that belongs to the ginger family, and has been a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern, Asian, and Indian cuisines for many years. This spice was even called “Indian saffron” during Medieval times, and is quite accessible and affordable today, typically sold in ground-and-powdered form.
Raw Spice Bar says that turmeric works as a saffron substitute because it lends the same rich golden color to foods, and while saffron is more floral and delicate, turmeric offers similar bold earthy notes. A Couple Cooks recommends using a half teaspoon of turmeric in place of a large pinch of saffron to make the switch work at its best.