Asian Saffron???

[Joyce]

This is for all of you who have visited your local "asian" supermarket. While we were in there last week, we saw large bags (perhaps 4 oz. or so) of "saffron" for about $2.00. It looked a little thicker and shorter than the saffron we are used to, but the coloration was the same. Has anyone run into this or tried it?? The price is certainly right!!

[Julia1Pin]

I got a similar thing at a spanish market. I don't think it's really saffron, is it?

[lorilei]

Did a bit of research on my own and found the following:

There is no such thing as cheap saffron; it is most likely dried edible petals of marigold (Calendula officinalis) or safflower(Carthamus tinctorius), known as bastard or false saffron. This is often labelled as “Saffron” and sold in Asian food markets.

It takes about eight times the amount of false saffron to give the coloring of saffron; and there will be no similarity in flavor.

[This message has been edited by lorilei (edited 04-06-2001).]

[maizeyoats]

Oh! Oh! A friend just brought me a large packet of "saffron" on his recent trip to Jerusalem. I was very excited but now I am sure it's not the real thing. I haven't tried it yet.