Saffron threads

What are Saffron threads?

[SAF-ruhn]

Crocus sativus is the world's most expensive spice. Saffron are the stigmas from the crocus sativus flower (see image below). There are only 3 stigmas (referred to as saffron threads) per flower. Saffron is hand harvested so you can understand why it is so prized and so expensive. It takes about 13,125 threads to weigh one ounce.

Substitute For Saffron Threads

If you don't have saffron threads you can substitute:

Saffron powder. About 10-15 threads is equal to about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of powder.
OR - For color and a little flavor, per 10-15 threads needed you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon turmeric then add 1/2 teaspoon paprika for a little flavor.
OR - For color only: Use 2 drops of yellow food coloring + one drop of red food coloring.
OR - Use 1 teaspoon of safflower florets, crushed, it will add a little flavor; mostly color.
OR - For a garnish but not for flavor use shilgochu chile threads (used in Japanese, Chinese and Korean cooking.)
OR - See chart of saffron conversion for powder to threads, threads to ounces, grams and pounds

Equivalents

10-15 threads = a pinch OR 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon saffron powder

metric conversions →

World Spices

Nutrition Information For Saffron threads

Serving Size

1 tbsp

Calories

Calories from Fat

% Daily Value^*

Total Fat 0g

Saturated Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 3mg

Potassium

36g

Total Carbohydrate 1g

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 0g

Protein 0g

Vitamin A 0%	•	Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%	•	Iron 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Favorite Saffron threads Recipes

Curry Powder
This is a recipe for making your own curry powder. This version is a spicy and somewhat hot Madras-style curry powder. Fresh curry powder is much more flavorful than the store bought variety. Uses a variety of common Indian ingredients.
Jalebis
A very sweet, fried Indian confection coated with syrup and served warm.
Saffron Chipotle Salsa
The Saffron Chipotle Salsa recipe is made with chipotles in adobo, wine, saffron, cream and butter.
Arroz con Pollo - Rice Cooker
Arroz con Pollo - Rice Cooker recipe (chicken with rice) in your rice cooker. These recipes are great for dorm room cooking. Ingredients include white rice, boneless, skinless chicken breast, tomatoes, peas, garlic, onion, green and red bell pepper.
Ras el hanout (Moroccan spice blend)
Ras el hanout (Moroccan spice blend) recipe. Make your own ras el hanout spice mixture at home. Use the spice on meats such as our Lamb Tagine recipe.

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Saffron threads

What are Saffron threads?

Substitute For Saffron Threads

Equivalents

Nutrition Information For Saffron threads

Favorite Saffron threads Recipes

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