Safflower is cultivated mostly for its semen , which are used to makesafflower rock oil ; however , the petals are utilitarian as well . you could use them as a spiciness and as a food color in . look at the following uses for Carthamus tinctorius .

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As a saffron substitute or enhancer

Safflower isa popular replacement for saffron ; in fact , it is sometimes referred to as the poor man ’s saffron , cocksucker saffron , or false saffron crocus . Other name that you might hear used for it look on where you are in the mankind ; for example , you might hear safflower call Turkish Crocus sativus or Mexican Crocus sativus .

The two spice are standardised enough that throughout history safflower has been used by dishonest spice merchants to adulteratetrue saffron . Safflower is different from saffron in that the saffron spice consists of stamens from the Crocus sativa plant which are labor intensive to harvest ; Carthamus tinctorius petals want less work to get . As a result , saffron crocus is the domain ’s most expensive spiciness while safflower sells at a much low cost .

– > memorise More : Safflower Vs . Saffron – How Do They Compare ?

Safflower Uses

false saffron is not the best orange yellow option in footing of flavor . In fact , it does not put up much flavor or aroma at all . The blandness makes it a good option for mass who dislike saffron ’s taste but enjoy its coloring material . Safflower commit a saffron - like bright scandalmongering to food . Also , you could use false saffron along with saffron to enhance the latter ’s icteric color . By adding Carthamus tinctorius , you may be able-bodied to use less saffron crocus and save money .

In rice

Safflower gives rice dish an attractive white-livered colour , similar to the color given by saffron ; this is one of the most pop ways to use safflower petals . Use it to make Mexican rice and other Latin sweetheart .

In khmeli suneli

Georgian cuisine makes use of the fragrant spice blending call khmeli suneli , which include false saffron petals along with other herbs and spices likesavoryandfenugreek . Most blend specify the more flavourful marigold flower petal instead but false saffron is an acceptable backup man .

In Middle Eastern food

In Arabic , false saffron is called usfur or you may sometimes see it spell osfor or asfor . Safflower is a plebeian , cheaper Crocus sativus choice used throughout the Middle East . It is especially common in Damascene cooking where saffron is not used at all . In Damascus , you will see false saffron petals used in dishes like kousa mahshi , which is a stuffed zucchini mantrap . You may also see it in the Syrian omelette promise ejjeh .

In Azerbaijani food

You will see safflower used in a few formula from Azerbaijan . Its role is mostly as a solid food coloring , not so much as a spice . It shows up in piti , which is a variety of lamb or mutton soup with chickpeas and quinces .

In Filipino food

false saffron cave in the Filipino dish arroz caldo its distinctive color . Arroz caldo is a crossbreeding between yellow rice and a Formosan congee . You often see it described as a gruel . A vulgar version features Elmer Rice , wimp and spices like safflower . You will also see safflower include in atchara , which is a fix made from gullible melon tree .

In Portuguese fish stew

Safflower show up in Lusitanian fish lather made with holibut or hake . Safflower is added to the swither as part of a seasoning paste .

As a tea

One of the easiest ways to enjoy false saffron is to plunge the petals in hot water to make a drinkable . As an herbal tea leaf , safflower has legion health benefits including the ability to improve spunk and bone health .