Has Anyone Used Saffron For Cooking?

SeaBreeze

SeaBreeze

Endlessly Groovin'
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My husband had to pick up a couple of things from Costco, and brought home a small 1 gram size jar of Saffron for $12. It's something we've heard of and been curious about. We use Turmeric, which is considered the 'poor man's Saffron'.

Has anyone ever used this spice for cooking or baking? How do you like it, anything special to know before using? According to the directions, you're to use just a small touch of it.

Here are some health benefits of Saffron...http://www.natmedtalk.com/wiki/Saffron
 

Yes I use it a lot, particularly when I'm making Paella or Indian curries. Only use a pinch, don't be tempted to use more than that, it will give off a bitter flavour.. :D
 
Seabreeze, I will check out Costco Canada, I've used Saffron in Rice for that beautiful golden yellow colour but only if company is coming. I never knew you could substitute tumeric, how's the flavour with that?
 

Yes, I have used saffron a few times in rice dishes w/ chicken & peas, garlic and onions.. a sort-of paella I guess. It has a distinctive flavor which tumeric does not have, although tumeric does turn the rice yellow.
 
Thanks for the tip Hollydolly! :) I've only used Tumeric on hot vegetable dishes so far, and I use a lot, hard for me to describe the flavor. Also take a small spoonful in the mornings for health benefits. Never have used Saffron, but the spice my husband just brought home is more of a rusty reddish color, as opposed to the mustard yellow color of Turmeric.
 
Thanks Holly, now I understand...although it's a deep red color, it turns the food yellow when used. :cool:
 
My sister uses it all the time as her husband is Spanish, and living in Spain the first few years of their marriage she learned to cook several dishes using it,paella being the one she makes the most. I really want to make it-just need to get myself a paella pan!
 

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