Turmeric vs Saffron (Similarities + Differences)

Turmeric vs saffron: two important spices in both cooking and natural medicine. Scroll down to find out more about the differences, similarities, and how to use in cooking.

Turmeric, on the other hand, is often mentioned for its purported anti-inflammatory properties and  medicinal properties, thanks to its curcumin content. You can even buy turmeric pill supplements!

Turmeric

Turmeric, originating from the root of the Curcuma Longa plant, is the golden wonder of South India and Southeast Asia, where it is used for both culinary purposes and in traditional medicine. It is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae.)

Note: turmeric is also used as a natural dye. So can saffron but at its price, not many people would do so!

Forms

In its raw form, it is a rhizome, similar to ginger, but with a much brighter hue and darker skin. Outside of Asia, it is more commonly available in a bright golden powder form.

There are over 30 types of turmeric, but most taste the same!

When used as a dietary supplement, it can be found in the form of pills.

Culinary Usage

Turmeric is a versatile spice, used to impart a warm and earthy flavor to food as well as turn it a vibrant golden hue. As such, it goes well with other warm spices such as black pepper, as you can see in this turmeric chicken recipe!

Many Singaporean and Malaysian households keep a turmeric plant, and use both the root and leaves when cooking. (Turmeric leaves are chopped up and added to Asian salads such as Nasi Ulam.) It is often used in Vietnamese food, such as this Banh Xeo Golden Pancake recipe.

Note: if you can't get turmeric, here are some of the best turmeric substitutes.

How to Use 

In its fresh form, turmeric is usually sliced or pounded into a paste before being cooked.

In powder form, you can simply add it to your recipe much like adding salt or sugar.

Turmeric's many culinary applications range from:

• drinks such as turmeric tea, golden milk or turmeric latte
• sweet dishes 
• adding an earthy flavor and golden color to roast potatoes
• curry powder recipes, such as Madras curry powder. It's even part of the Japanese Golden Curry Mix!
• rice dishes such as this rice cooker turmeric rice
• added to soups like chicken noodle soup, lentil soup, or butternut squash soup for both flavor and color. It's even found in Chinese egg drop soup to make it look more attractive!

Note: This staple ingredient in South India and Southeast Asia can have a bitter flavor so don't use too much.

Health Benefits

Curcumin

The secret to turmeric's medicinal properties lies in curcumin, its active ingredient. A small amount of curcumin may have the following potential health benefits:

• May alleviate inflammation
• May bolster immunity
• May soothe joint pain
• May aid digestion
• May support heart health
• May prevent cancer cells from spreading

People often use turmeric to treat osteoarthritis, hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, and itching. HOWEVER, there is no scientific evidence to support most of these uses of turmeric.

Note: the above information is for your information only. Please consult a medical professional before changing your diet!

Saffron

Saffron, celebrated as the world's most expensive spice, comes from the delicate threads of the Crocus sativus flower. Also known as autumn crocus or saffron crocus, this plant from the Iris family has a flower with bright purple petals.

The spice has an unparalleled aroma, flavor, and vivid red-orange color.

One of the key ingredients of many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, a pinch of saffron is more than enough to give food a floral and sweet flavor.

Note: Because saffron is so expensive, turmeric is sometimes suggested as a good substitute for it, so much so that it is called "Indian saffron!" However, the flavor of the 2 is pretty different, so turmeric is only a good saffron substitute when you need a colouring agent! Moreover, turmeric's bitterness makes it an unsuitable alternative to saffron in desserts.

Types

Iran produces most of the world's saffron and Iranian saffron is thought to be some of the best quality saffron.

There is also Spanish saffron, which is also very high grade but looks a little different, being a mix of red and yellow, curly and short threads, as opposed to Persian saffron which is mostly red, long, thick and flat.

Other countries which produce saffron include India, Morocco, Greece, and Afghanistan.

Note: there is an unrelated plant with a similar name- Meadow Saffron- that is poisonous!

Culinary Uses

Saffron spice is a luxurious ingredient, so use it sparingly to impart its exquisite flavor and color to select recipes. Paella, bouillabaisse, risotto, and desserts come alive with a small amount of saffron threads!

How to Use 

To use saffron effectively, steep saffron threads in warm water or broth before adding them to dishes. This releases their distinctive flavor and the world's most expensive spice's captivating color.

It helps to grind the saffron strands into a mortar before soaking (in a mortar and pestle.)

Health Benefits

Saffron's medicinal properties are attributed to 2 active compounds, crocin, and safranal. Even in minute quantities, they are believed to:

• Elevate mood and combat depression
• Serve as antioxidants, defending against oxidative stress
• Enhance memory and cognitive function

Note: the above information is for your information only. Please consult a medical professional before changing your diet!

Turmeric vs. Saffron

There are significant differences between the 2 spices! Here is a summary of the main similarities and differences:

Flavor and Color

• Turmeric: Offers an earthy flavor and a vibrant golden color, synonymous with South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine. The flavor of turmeric can be strong, so don't use too much.
• Saffron: Provides an intense floral flavor, subtle sweetness, and a deep red-orange hue that defines Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.

Cost

• Turmeric: An affordable spice, accessible to all, making it a culinary and medicinal staple in many Asian houses.
• Saffron: The world's most expensive spice, a small amount goes a long way.

Culinary Use

• Turmeric: A versatile spice that enhances a wide range of dishes, from Indian dishes to Southeast Asian desserts.
• Saffron: A luxury spice used sparingly to elevate specific recipes, found in opulent Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Purported Health Benefits

• Turmeric: Renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly curcumin's inflammation-fighting prowess.
• Saffron: Celebrated for its mood-enhancing and memory-boosting qualities, thanks to crocin and safranal, even when used in a small amount.

Availability

• Turmeric: Widely available in most grocery stores in powder form. For the fresh root plant, you will need to go to the Asian market.
• Saffron: Typically found in specialty stores or online retailers due to its high cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this battle of saffron vs turmeric, which is your favorite spice?