Saffron or turmeric

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hello everybody,

Please tell me which one is more appropriate word for asking seller when in the market, “SAFFRON” or “TURMERIC”?

Please give the differences.

Thanks in advance.

2

It depends on what your recipe calls for: they are different spices from two different families of plants.

Saffron
Crocus sativus
Family: Iridaceae

Saffron is the three stigmas of the saffron crocus. Its colour is a bright orange-red, and in high quality saffron this is uniform. Saffron bearing white streaks or light patches is inferior and when light specks appear in its powdered form it suggests adulteration.

Turmeric
Curcuma domestica
Family: Zingiberaceae

Turmeric is the rhizome or underground stem of a ginger-like plant. It is usually available ground, as a bright yellow, fine powder.

3

Hello Mr.Micawber,

Thank you very much for the answer.

4

I concur with Mister Micawber. It depends on your recipe. SAFFRON and TURMERIC are totally two different things in cooking world except colour which is kind of similar. Turmeric has bitter taste and use mainly in curries whereas Saffron is mainly used in desserts for its sweet taste and aroma. When it comes to price, you’ll be amazed to know how expensive saffron can be. It would set you back around $9-$15 for a small potion for single use. So I suggest you read the recipe carefully before you use turmeric as a substitute.

5

Thanks a lot Bulone and Mr.Micawber,

I understand now, before it I was confused because I searched the word with local dictionary (local dictionary – English) and written 2 words, saffron and turmeric. So, I felt confuse which one is more appropriate.

Yours explanation is very useful.