Saffron replacement: How to replace the spice

Saffron is a particularly tasty ingredient that can refine many dishes. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most valuable spices in the world and very expensive. We will show you alternatives for the red threads that are at least optically suitable as saffron substitutes.

Saffron substitute: turmeric

With turmeric you can color dishes yellowish to reddish. So you can fake the use of saffron, but you will quickly find out the taste.

• Turmeric, also called turmeric, is a genus of ginger and is used as a powder for seasoning.
• Since turmeric has a characteristic yellow color, it is often used to replace saffron.
• In terms of taste, unfortunately, no saffron spice can hold its own, which is why turmeric is more of an optical saffron substitute.

False saffron: the safflower

The safflower is also called safflower and is often sold as a fake saffron to ignorant tourists at bazaars.

• Safflower really looks confusingly similar to real saffron. It is sold in thread form and has the typical color of saffron.
• You can also use the dried flowers of the Indian plant for coloring in dishes. Unfortunately, the safflower only comes close to the saffron. The flowers don't give much flavor.

Anatto as a saffron substitute colors dishes red

Another option is the Anatto spice. This alternative colors dishes, similar to saffron, to reddish-yellow.

• It tastes a little like pepper and is used to color cheese, cosmetics or rice dishes.
• Anatto is best used as a powder. Unfortunately, this spice is not a real saffron substitute either.

Those who are more concerned with the color of their food can choose turmeric, anatto or safflower. Unfortunately, you cannot replace the unique saffron taste with any other ingredient.

In the next post, we'll show you how you can even lose weight with turmeric.