Saffron Thread

Crocus sativus Spice

Saffron Thread Spice

At a Glance

  • Category Spice

The Forktionary Angle

"The "golden spice" of ancient history, saffron imparts an unmistakable aroma, rich flavor, and vibrant hue to dishes, earning its legendary status."

Definition

The dried stigmas of the saffron crocus flower, highly prized as the world's most expensive spice for its distinct aroma, flavor, and golden color.

Color Compound Crocin is the primary chemical compound responsible for saffron's intense golden-yellow color.
Optimal Storage Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from light and moisture, for up to 2 years.
Production Yield It takes about 150 flowers to yield just 1 gram of dried saffron threads.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Saffron Thread are:

Floral honey-like slightly metallic earthy

Chef’s Secret

Always bloom saffron threads in a small amount of warm liquid (water, broth, or milk) for 15-20 minutes before adding to a dish to extract maximum color and flavor.

Best Substitutes

Turmeric

for color, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric for a pinch of saffron, but different flavor

Annatto

for color only
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Buy whole threads rather than ground saffron, and look for deep red color with orange tips, avoiding broken or yellow pieces.

Recipes Using Saffron Thread

Vegetables Time To Make Cuisine Onions

Persian Style Onion Soup

Experience the rich, savory depths of Persian cuisine with this decadent yet healthy onion soup, inspired by Gordon Ramsay's focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Sweet caramelized onions, fragrant spices, and a bright citrus finish create a symphony of taste in every spoonful. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.

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Arroz Con Pollo Mi Favorito

This foolproof Arroz Con Pollo recipe tastes like comforting homemade goodness, yet is elegant enough for a dinner party! Impress your guests with this vibrant, flavorful Spanish-style chicken and rice dish. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables create a culinary masterpiece.

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B Stilla

Experience a taste of Morocco with this unique B Stilla chicken pie! A delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe traditionally uses pigeon or capon, but chicken offers a delicious and readily available alternative. Prepare for a culinary adventure as you layer flaky phyllo pastry over a rich chicken, almond, and spice filling. This impressive dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weekend treat. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create a truly unforgettable Moroccan masterpiece!

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Iranian Persian Side Dishes Cuisine Rice

Barberry Rice

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East and Spain with this aromatic Barberry Rice recipe! Sweet, tart barberries (or a delicious substitute like currants or dried cranberries) dance with warm spices and fluffy rice for a truly unforgettable dish. This recipe offers both a traditional slow-cooking method and a quicker alternative, perfect for any skill level. Prepare to be amazed by the unique tartness that elevates this culinary masterpiece.

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Main Ingredient Occasion Dinner Party Salmon

Baked Salmon Provencale

Experience the taste of the French Riviera with this delectable Baked Salmon Provençal recipe! Flaky salmon fillets are infused with the vibrant flavors of saffron, garlic, herbs, and sun-ripened tomatoes, creating a dish that's both elegant and easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Chicken Thighs Legs Time To Make Main Dish One Dish Meal

Best Chicken Tagine

Unlock the secrets of Melbourne's Mecca Bah with this irresistible Chicken Tagine recipe! Inspired by their famed dish, this customized version delivers a perfect harmony of sweet and spicy flavors. A blend of warming spices and tender chicken creates a culinary masterpiece you won't soon forget. Easy to follow instructions and achievable for all skill levels. Try it and discover why this is the best Chicken Tagine recipe!

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Main Dish Time To Make Meat Whole Chicken

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Bouillabaisse

Indulge in this luxurious Chicken Bouillabaisse, inspired by Ina Garten's recipes! This comforting yet elegant dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich saffron-infused broth with fennel, potatoes, and a touch of Pernod. Easily adaptable – substitute sherry for white wine and readily available saffron powder for the expensive Spanish threads. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce. This recipe is easily adaptable to your pantry staples while maintaining a truly delicious result!

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Main Ingredient Spanish Meat Chicken

Arroz Con Pollo Mccall's Cooking School

Indulge in this vibrant Spanish classic! Our Arroz Con Pollo recipe, perfected by McCall's Cooking School, features tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and fragrant saffron rice baked to golden perfection in a comforting casserole. A delicious and satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.

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Main Dish Main Dish Presentation Lamb Sheep

Afghani Lamb And Rice Dish

Experience the vibrant flavors of Afghanistan with this authentic Quabili Pilau recipe! Inspired by a family-run food cart, this dish masterfully blends aromatic Asian and Arabic spices with tender lamb and fluffy rice. A perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or a delicious weeknight meal.

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Course Course Crock Pot Slow Cooker Equipment

Arroz Non Pollo

A delightful vegetarian twist on the Spanish classic! This Arroz Non Pollo replaces chicken with hearty chickpeas, creating a flavorful and satisfying paella bursting with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Chicken North American 60 Minutes Or Less Inexpensive

Arroz Con Pollo Chicken With Rice

A taste of tradition! This authentic Arroz con Pollo recipe is passed down through generations. Enjoy tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth, perfectly complementing fluffy Spanish rice. A comforting and delicious dish the whole family will love.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Central American Low Calorie Cuisine

Aruban Rice With Chicken

Escape to Aruba with this vibrant and easy-to-make chicken and rice recipe! A taste of the Caribbean in under an hour, this simple dish is perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve alongside a fresh lettuce and tomato salad for a complete and satisfying experience. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Valentines Day Poultry Taste Mood Low In Something

Romantic Chicken Scallopine With Saffron Cream Sauce

Impress your loved one with this elegant yet surprisingly easy Chicken Scallopine recipe! Inspired by Giada De Laurentiis, this dish features tender chicken cutlets in a luxurious saffron cream sauce. We've tweaked the original recipe for even more flavor – upping the garlic, adding flour for a beautiful golden crust, and including a handy tip for a perfectly thickened sauce. Perfect for Valentine's Day or any romantic dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve over angel hair pasta with green beans and garlic breadsticks for a complete and unforgettable meal.

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Occasion Cuisine Jewish Ashkenazi Dietary

B H G Challah Bread

This heirloom challah recipe, perfected since the 1970s, delivers unbelievably tender, golden-hued bread bursting with flavor. Made with real eggs, whole milk, and unsalted butter, and infused with the delicate aroma of saffron (optional), this recipe is a family favorite. Imagine the fluffiest French toast or the most delicious sandwiches – this challah disappears fast! My modern kitchen upgrades (stand mixer & proofing oven) make it easier than ever. While rising times vary with temperature (today, under 2 hours!), the baking time is a perfect 65 minutes. Add seeds for extra texture and flavor – it's entirely up to you! Get ready to experience challah like never before!

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Time To Make Indian Desserts Easy

Banana And Semolina Pudding Sheera

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Asian Poultry Meat Chicken

Almost Core Chicken Biryani

Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of India with this Almost Core Chicken Biryani recipe! A slightly altered version from Food & Wine, this dish features tender chicken and fluffy basmati rice infused with fragrant spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Dietary Dietary Main Dish Time To Make

Arabian Rice

Experience the intoxicating aromas of this Arabian Rice, a fluffy and flavorful side dish that complements any lamb or chicken stew perfectly. This recipe features a unique blend of spices and a touch of vermicelli for added texture. Easy to follow instructions will guide you to create a restaurant-quality side dish in under an hour!

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Poultry Seafood Spanish Poultry

Al Andalus Paella

Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of Torremolinos with this authentic Paella recipe, inspired by a treasured 1960s recipe from the Hotel Al Andalus! This vibrant dish boasts succulent chicken, chorizo, shrimp, and an array of fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a rich saffron-infused broth. A true culinary journey awaits!

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