Turmeric and saffron are two of the most popular and tasty spices. However, saffron is the world’s most expensive spice. Each pound costs $5000; the next most expensive one is vanilla, which costs $600 per pound.

What makes saffron so expensive?

Why it was so expensive, because of its arduous and meticulous process. From harvesting to drying and processing, requires a significant amount of handwork and hard work. Saffron is a stigma from the saffron crocus flower. The stigma is dehydrated and collected until you have gathered a considerable amount. The process of painstakingly harvesting the stigma without damaging other parts of the plant is very toilsome, which makes it the most expensive spice.

How can turmeric become a perfect substitute for saffron in recipes?

Turmeric is one of the most popular spices that came from the ginger family. As much as the Middle Easterns love saffron on dishes, so are the Indians with the turmeric. That is why turmeric is known as the Indian saffron.

Although they both came from a different plant family, both produce the same effect on food when it comes to color. If you would prefer to have a golden yellowish display on your dish, turmeric and saffron can do it for you. In some countries where saffron is unavailable, turmeric powder is the best and cheaper substitute for that golden effect.

What about the taste?

When it comes to the taste, saffron and turmeric are entirely different from each other. However, other properties of their flavor make them similar. They may not be perfectly identical, but they strike some resemblances in some aspects. That is why most Arab descends, and Middle Easterns who lived in other places of the world would always have turmeric powder on their food. They could see some resemblance from their favourite saffron.