The main difference between saffron and turmeric is that saffron is made from stigma and styles of crocus flowers while turmeric is an Indian rhizome belonging to the ginger family.
Saffron is a spice that comes from the flower of Crocus sativus or saffron crocus while turmeric is a spice that comes from the Curcuma longa plant of the ginger family, which grows in Asia and Southeast Asia. Both these spices are used to add flavour and colour to food. However, saffron is very expensive, while turmeric is the more affordable spice out of these two spices.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Saffron
– Definition, Properties, Uses
2. What is Turmeric
– Definition, Properties, Uses
3. What is the Difference Between Saffron and Turmeric
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Saffon, Turmeric
What is Saffron
Saffron is a spice we obtain from the flower of Crocus sativus, also known as the saffron crocus. The vivid red stigma and styles of these flowers are called threads. These are collected and dried for use, mainly as seasoning and colouring agents in food. Saffron is extremely subtle and fragrant and has a slightly sweet and luxurious taste. Around 90% of saffron in the world is produced in Iran.
Each saffron crocus flower produces only three threads of saffron, and it blooms for only one week each year. They have to be plucked by hand and dried to make the saffron spice. Moreover, it takes about a thousand flowers to produce just one ounce of saffron. This is why saffron is very expensive. Saffron is, in fact, the most expensive spice in the world.
You can make a variety of dishes using saffron, ranging from saffron risotto to classic French bouillabaisse to a variety of curries. You can also use it for desserts, like pudding, cakes, and sweetened rice. Moreover, saffron is classified into different types based on their origin; for example, Iranian saffron, Greek saffron, Spanish saffron, etc.
What is Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice obtained from the turmeric plant, which is a perennial plant from the ginger family that grows in Asia and Southeast Asia. It has a deep golden colour and a mustard-like, earthy aroma and pungent, slightly bitter flavour. It is commonly used to flavour and colour food. In fact, it is an essential ingredient in Asian cuisine. It is mostly used in savoury dishes, but it is also used in some sweet dishes. India is the number one consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
As turmeric is a root plant, it grows underground. It’s dried and crushed into powder form, which is commonly available in grocery stores. Although turmeric is mostly known as a spice, it also has a major role in natural medicine. Since it contains the chemical curcumin, it can help with inflammation.
Difference Between Saffron and Turmeric
Definition
Saffron is a spice that comes from the flower of Crocus sativus or saffron crocus while turmeric is a spice that comes from the Curcuma longa plant of the ginger family, which grows in Asia and Southeast Asia.
Origin
We obtain saffron from vivid crimson stigma and styles of saffron crocus flowers while we obtain turmeric from the root of Curcuma longa.
Flavour
Saffron has a lighter flavour than turmeric, which has a bitter and earthy flavour.
Cost
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, and turmeric is less costly and more affordable than saffron.
Conclusion
Saffron is a spice that comes from the flower of Crocus sativus or saffron crocus while turmeric is a spice that comes from the Curcuma longa plant of the ginger family, which grows in Asia and Southeast Asia. The main difference between saffron and turmeric is that saffron is made from stigma and styles of crocus flowers while turmeric is an Indian rhizome belonging to the ginger family.
Reference:
1. “Saffron: What Is Saffron And Why Is It So Expensive.” SpiceJungle, Available here.
2. “Turmeric: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning.” WebMD, Available here.
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