Saffron Substitutes: What To Use When You’re Out Of This Precious Spice?

Saffron is one of my favourite spices that is kept safely and with utmost love on the top shelf of my kitchen rack. Let me tell you all that I love making and savouring desserts, especially Indian ones. I always look for saffron in my kitchen before preparing any Indian desserts or cuisines, so it’s pretty clear that its existence in my kitchen is a top priority! 

But I remember being out of this golden spice and couldn’t cook the dish I wanted to! I became upset and thought about what to do, but after a few moments of sulking, I decided I wouldn’t let this situation ruin my cooking. My research mode turned on, and I started looking for alternatives and was introduced to its history & origin, different types of saffron, grades & qualities, and amazing health benefits!

Saffron is also the most expensive spice in the world, so for many of us, it’s not possible to purchase it to cook every single time. However, if you ever face a shortage of saffron in your kitchen, there’s nothing much to worry about! Of course, it wouldn’t taste the same because saffron has always been a star ingredient, but we’ve got to try! 

There’s always a better way to make something delicious, even if it is not exactly what you planned. My mother always says that sometimes the best dishes come from a bit of improvisation, and I followed it! 

Let’s explore the substitutes for saffron now! 

Substitutes Of Saffron That You Can Try! 

1. Cardamom

Cardamom isn’t typically utilized as a direct substitute for saffron because it has a unique flavour profile and doesn’t match saffron! Also, it doesn’t give the same colour to the dishes. The flavour of cardamom is strong and slightly sweet with citrus & herbal notes. On the other hand, saffron offers a more floral & delicate flavour with earthy notes. 

However, there are various recipes where saffron is generally utilized for its aroma and not colour! Therefore, cardamom can be a great addition to the dish to enhance its flavour. For instance, in desserts and rice pilafs, where saffron is used for its aroma and not for its colour, a small amount of cardamom can add complexity & depth to the flavour of the dish. 

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that we all use in our day-to-day cooking, and it’s highly appreciated because of its bright yellow colour & medicinal value. It’s also a popular substitute for saffron that tends to add a vibrant yellow colour to the dishes. However, it doesn’t match the taste of saffron; turmeric is an affordable option when colour matters the most! To use turmeric as a substitute, you just need to add a small amount to the dish, adjusting the quantity to get the required colour without letting it overpower other flavours. 

3. Safflower

Safflower, often referred to as the “false saffron”, has a vibrant yellow colour similar to saffron but flavour, but does not have its unique flavour profile. While it won’t be able to add the same aromatic notes, safflower is the best affordable substitute when colour is the primary objective. To use it, steep the safflower petals in hot liquid or grind them into a fine powder. Add it to your dish by adjusting the amount to obtain the perfect colour without affecting the taste of the dish. 

4. Annatto

Annatto is another excellent option that comes from the seeds of the achiote tree and gives a vibrant orange-red colour. However, it has a mild, nutty & peppery taste but works well as a substitute when your primary concern is the colour. In order to utilize annatto, you need to soak the powder or seeds in water or oil and then add it to the dish. You have to adjust the amount to get the perfect colour without completely altering the flavour of the dish. 

5. Saffron Extract

Saffron extract is a concentrated version of saffron that provides the same colour and flavour as the golden spice. However, it’s not the cheapest option compared to other substitutes, but it does offer an authentic flavour & aroma of saffron. This makes it the best saffron substitute option for your recipes. 

6. Paprika

Paprika is made from dried red peppers and tends to add a bright orange-red colour to the dish, along with a mild smoky flavour. However, the taste and aroma are entirely different from saffron, but if colour is the main priority, go for it! To use it, sprinkle paprika on your dish and simply mix it properly. But be mindful of the quantity you add because it has a bit of spice kick that can overpower the flavours of the dish. Little goes a long way! 

7. Curry Powder

Curry powder is a mixture of different spices such as cumin, turmeric, fenugreek, coriander and more. The flavour is undoubtedly different from saffron; curry powder can be used as a substitute in certain dishes where bright colour and a hint of spice are the goal. 

8. Marigold petals

Marigold petals are bright yellow and orange; therefore, they can be used to add a natural colour like saffron to the dishes. But when it comes to its flavour, it doesn’t match with saffron! For individuals seeking an alternative to mimic the colour that saffron offers, marigold petals can be your one-stop solution. Simply steep the petals in hot liquid or grind them into a powder before adding them to the dish. 

9. Yellow Food Colour

Yellow food colour can be used to imitate the bright colour of saffron in various dishes, where flavour is not the primary goal. It doesn’t offer any aroma or flavour, but it can be added to the dishes where saffron is primarily added for its colour. 

10. Calendula

Did you know that calendula petals are a saffron alternative in various dishes? They give a vibrant yellow-orange colour, just like saffron! However, calendula petals cannot offer the same flavours as saffron. But to use them, just steep the petals in hot liquid or grind them into a powder to add the perfect colour to your recipes. Just remember that calendula petals won’t be able to provide saffron’s bold flavours, but they can make your dish look amazing! Try adjusting the amount of calendula petals to obtain the perfect colour without affecting the other flavours of the dish. 

11. Safflower Oil

The oil extracted from the safflower seeds is known as safflower oil and has a neutral, light flavour. While it does not provide aromatic notes similar to saffron, safflower oil can be utilized to add colour to various dishes without altering the taste of the dishes.  

12. Annatto Seeds

Annatto seeds, often called Achiote seeds, are utilized to add a vibrant orange-yellow colour to various dishes. However, they are not good at replicating saffron’s intense & aromatic flavours, but they can be used if your priority is colour. To use annatto seeds, just grind them into a fine powder or infuse them in oil to add vibrant colour to your recipes. 

Summing It Up! 

In the end, I would just like to say that no substitute can give you the strong flavours & aroma of saffron — it’s one-of-a-kind! But it’s okay to try out the substitutes for saffron when you have a tight budget or simply don’t have it! That’s when all these substitutes mentioned above can step in and do a pretty good job. 

Sometimes, it’s good to experiment with substitutes because it makes the cooking process fun & enjoyable. So, as we all agree — saffron being the ultimate star- these amazing options can also help your dish shine bright and taste delicious. Keep the flavours flowing! 

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