- By Bornika Das
- Mon, 24 Mar 2025 06:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Saffron Alternatives: Saffron is considered to be the most expensive spice in the world and it wouldn’t be a surprise if most people don’t have it in their pantry. It is an exquisite spice that not only elevates the colour of the dish but also adds aroma to it. Derived from the flower named Crocus Sativus, this spice has a rich history and is a world-famous ingredient that is harvested carefully with hand. The reddish-orange strands are obtained after intensive manual labour. Being delicate and most importantly expensive, saffron is not very easily afforded and incorporated into dishes. However, there are several spice alternatives that can substitute the colour and flavour of saffron to some extent.
Saffron offers a rich aroma, colour and flavour making it impossible to resist in certain circumstances. Also known as Zaffran or Kesar, saffron is used in multiple Indian dishes. Saffron rice, Rasmalai, Kesar Peda and others involve extensive use of saffron in them. If you’re making any dish that requires the addition of kesar and you don’t have it, no need to worry! Here’s a list of six cheaper alternatives for saffron that will work just fine.
Affordable Saffron Swaps To Try In Dishes
Paprika And Tumeric
This spice mix works as the best alternative for saffron. The end product of paprika and turmeric offers similar exquisite flavours to that of saffron. Besides, the colour also resembles much like the expensive spice. Turmeric provides the great yellow hue like the Zaffran while paprika adds a hint of sweetness to the mix. It is budget-friendly and can be extensively used in dishes.
Saffron Colour And Essence
One of the easiest saffron swaps is saffron extract and colour. It is also an affordable saffron alternative in cooking. The saffron extract can be found in your nearest grocery stores. This extract is prepared from saffron threads and has a similar taste to that of kesar when added to the dish. Moreover, you can also add essence and colour to the dishes for an elevated finish.
Safflower
The flowers of herbaceous plants were often used as saffron alternatives by the Spanish colonies. Even though safflower and saffron are completely different plants, their appearance is somewhat similar, especially when safflower is dried. Since safflower lacks any flavour, it is suitable to use other alternatives that replicate saffron’s colour.
One Of The Saffron Alternatives That Can Be Used In Cooking (Image Credits: Canva)
Marigold Petals
These are considered to be the closest relative to sunflowers and offer a yellow hue to the dishes. As saffron comes from a flower, incorporating marigold petals for colour and subtle flavours can be considered a good alternative. Use marigold flowers to make spices by plucking the petals and letting them dry in the sun. These petals can be added to soup and rice dishes.
Curry Powder
Curry powder is considered one of the staples of the Indian kitchen. Although it does not completely match the delicate touch of saffron to the recipes, curry powder is still a suitable alternative owing to its floral and sweet notes.
Cardamom
This is a beloved spice that is highly consumed all around the world. Its irresistible aroma elevates the dish ranging from rice recipes to beverages. Although it has a unique flavour which is not similar to saffron, it has savoury and sweet notes that could be used as saffron alternatives in recipes.