What is the difference between turmeric and saffron

It is native to Asia Minor, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years to be used in medicines, perfumes, dyes, and as a wonderful flavoring for foods and beverages. Saffron threads are fine and have a yellow tendril on one end and a flute on the other. Ground saffron is red to red-orange in color. Saffron is suitable for vegan, gluten-free, and paleo diets. American saffron or Mexican saffron is safflower , a member of the daisy family and the same plant that is used to produce safflower oil.

Dried flowers from this plant impart the characteristic yellow color to foods, but they have no flavor. Turmeric Curcuma longa , also known as Indian saffron, is a member of the ginger family. It colors food golden yellow but has a different flavor from saffron. Turmeric is used to stretch powdered saffron by unscrupulous retailers. A warning about meadow saffron Colchicum autumnale —this unrelated plant is poisonous and should not be confused with saffron.

Saffron imparts a somewhat earthy taste that's been described as pungent or even fruity. It is subtle enough that it will be masked in dishes that bolder spices. Saffron threads should be crushed before using them in recipes.

For ground saffron, it is best to start with saffron threads and lightly toast and grind them yourself. Just be extremely careful not to burn them or they won't be usable. Often, recipes call for only a pinch of saffron, so a little goes a long way. One common procedure is too steep saffron threads in the cooking liquid before using them. The longer you steep the saffron threads, the stronger the flavor and color of the cooking liquid.

Some frugal cooks steep saffron threads and use the liquid in the recipe, and then dry and reuse the threads a second time. Unfortunately, there is no truly acceptable substitute for saffron. Nutrition In this section of the article, you can find a detailed nutritional description of turmeric and saffron. Micronutrients In comparison, turmeric contains more fiber and carbs, while saffron is higher in fats and protein. Vitamins Both saffron and turmeric are packed with vitamins, however, vitamin amounts are different.

Minerals Tumeric has a higher mineral content than saffron. Glycemic Index The glycemic index of turmeric is much lower than that of saffron. Acidity On average, both spices are way alkaline. Calories The number of calories of these spices is almost equal.

Health Benefits Anti-inflammatory Effects Turmeric contains bioactive compounds that are called curcumin. Weight Loss According to the study, taking a saffron extract may help people with coronary artery disease by reducing their body mass index , total fat mass, and waist circumference. Cancer Turmeric is a great source of curcumin. Diabetes According to the rat study, saffron extract can reduce hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia risk in diabetic rats [6].

Cardiovascular Health Several components of saffron may help to reduce blood pressure and provide protection against heart disease. Aphrodisiac Effect According to the study, daily intake of 30 mg of saffro n for 4 weeks may improve erectile function over placebo in men with a ntidepressant-related erectile dysfunction [11].

Downside and Risks Saffron is possibly safe in little amounts. Summary In summary, saffron contains more fats, protein, vitamins , and has fewer sugars and lower levels of saturated fats than turmeric. Author name: Elen Khachatrian. Mineral Comparison Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" chart below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by grams of the food.

Contains less Sodium Vitamin Comparison Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. Equal in Vitamin B3 - 1. The summary score is calculated by summing up the daily values contained in grams of the product.

Obviously the more the food fulfills human daily needs, the more the summary score is. Macronutrient comparison charts compare the amount of protein, total fats, and total carbohydrates in grams of the food. The displayed values show how much of the daily needs can be covered by grams of food.

Comparison summary table Pay attention to the most right column. It shows the amounts side by side, making it easier to realize the amount of difference.

Which food is preferable for your diet? Low Calories diet. Low Fats diet. Low Carbs diet. Low glycemic index diet. Which food contains less Sodium? Turmeric contains less Sodium difference - mg. Which food is lower in glycemic index? Turmeric is lower in glycemic index difference - Which food is richer in minerals?

Turmeric is relatively richer in minerals. Which food is lower in Sugar? Saffron is lower in Sugar difference - 3. Which food is lower in Saturated Fat? Saffron is lower in Saturated Fat difference - 0. Which food is cheaper? Each has antioxidants and some level of vitamins. The great thing about saffron is that it can be used in a multitude of different ways.

Some of the best ways to use saffron include:. Choosing between turmeric and saffron may come down to the cooking applications and affordability factors. Turmeric is often seen as the most affordable option between the two, but also can be more limited in the kitchen whereas saffron can be a bit more versatile given its sweet and savory notes.

When it comes to possible health benefits, turmeric has been studied in far greater capacity but saffron also has antioxidants that can be impactful. Thrive Market Blog. More about turmeric Turmeric is a perennial plant that comes from the ginger family, and is native to Indonesia and Southern India. The appearance and flavor of turmeric Because it comes from the same family of plants, turmeric shares many of the same characteristics of the ginger root. Types of turmeric There are about 30 different varieties of turmeric that are commonly cultivated.

Other types include: China scented Red streaked Alleppey Thodupuzha Andhra Pradesh Salem turmeric In most instances, identifying the specific type of turmeric you purchase is difficult or even impossible; most varieties have the same taste and consistency. Other benefits of turmeric While cooking is the primary use for turmeric, for centuries it has been believed by many cultures to provide health properties.

Studies like this one have found that the use of turmeric introduces numerous naturally-occurring compounds that can block the creation of beta-amyloid, a substance that can form plaque in the brain and obstruct cerebral function.

Specifically researchers have honed in on the antioxidant mechanisms found in curcumin that can block free radicals and help reduce the development and proliferation of cancer cells. Some studies have found that by using turmeric, symptoms can be lessened and inflammation-related conditions, including arthritis, can be eased. Digestive issues seem to be another target area for turmeric. Scientists have seen a reduction in symptoms related to indigestion, ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, and more.

Best ways to cook with turmeric Turmeric can be used in many recipes. Here are some tried and true cooking applications: Seasoning grilled meats like chicken and lamb Making spicy chicken curry or vegetable yellow curry Whipping up homemade dressings Roasting vegetables Adding to a variety of smoothies Making a variety of tea drinks, whether using tea bags with turmeric in them or mixing up the powder to create warm golden milk More about saffron Saffron is a bulbous perennial plant that bears up to four flowers, and these flowers contain three crimson-colored stigmas or threads.

The appearance and flavor of turmeric Unlike turmeric, saffron has a very distinct crimson red color, and its flavor is comparable to a florals and honey. Types of saffron As with turmeric, there are several different subspecies of saffron.