Real saffron: how to know? Apply this test now!
Many of the products we consume are adulterated and therefore lose their purity and identity. One of these foods that goes through this process in a common way is saffron. In this article, we will teach you how to tell the difference between real and fake saffron.
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A lot of people don't know this, but there are some simple tests you can do to find out if what you're getting is actually pure seasoning.
In addition to knowing how to carry out the processes to prove the origin of this food, we will also teach you some delicious recipes that can be made with it. Check out!
How do you know if saffron is real?
Before we explain how to tell if saffron is real, it's important to understand the difference between saffron and turmeric. Saffron is a very expensive spice and therefore not very popular.
In this way, that powder so popular in our kitchens is, in fact, a second product. The issue here is that most of the out-of-stock spices are adulterated. That said, it's not just ground turmeric powder, it's also mixed with several other ingredients like cornstarch.
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See now how to distinguish between real and fake saffron with 3 simple tests:
1. Take the water test to find out if the saffron is real
To take this test, you must do the procedures below:
- You will need 1 tablespoon of turmeric and two tablespoons of water;
- Then, take a small pan and mix the saffron in the water;
- Place over low heat;
- When the mixture starts to boil, you can turn off the heat.
Ready. If the consistency is similar to porridge, very thick, this is one of the signs that it is unclean. Now, if the consistency is very liquid, not dense and does not stick to the spoon, it is real.
2. See if the saffron is real by smell
Pure saffron smells like honey and straw, while fake saffron is odorless.
3. Flavor
The pure one has a bitter taste and the fake one has a sweet taste.
Recipes with real saffron
How about preparing delicious recipes using saffron? We've listed recipes below for you to rock the kitchen with this seasoning.
Vegetable risotto with saffron TRUE
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- ¹/² small chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons of carrot
- 2 tablespoons broccoli
- 2 tablespoons seedless tomatoes
- ¹/² cup of arborio rice
- 1 pinch of salt
- 3 cups of boiling water
- ¹/² tablespoon of turmeric powder
- ¹/² tablespoon of green onion
- 2 tablespoons grated lactose-free parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons of water
Method of preparation
1. Melt the butter and sauté the onion in a pan
2. Then add the carrot, broccoli, tomato, arborio rice, salt and mix well.
3. Gradually add the boiling water, stirring constantly, until the rice cooks.
4. Turn off the heat, add the turmeric, chives and parmesan cheese.
Pumpkin cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup cubed pumpkin tea
- 2 teacups of water
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- ¹/² small chopped onion
- 4 tablespoons of water
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
Method of preparation
1. In a covered pan, cook the pumpkin with water over low heat. Approximately 10 minutes after boiling, when it is soft, remove from the pan and blend in a blender with the cooking water.
2. In another pan, heat the oil and sauté the onion with the garlic until they wilt. Add the beaten pumpkin and let it thicken.
3. Pour the chives over the top and serve.
Goiano casserole with real saffron
Ingredients
For the filling
- ¹/² tablespoon of oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 fresh Tuscan sausage
- 100 g pork loin in small cubes
- 100 g chicken fillet in small cubes
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 large ripe tomato, skinned and seedless, chopped
- ¹/² cup of water
- 1 tablet of vegetable broth
For dough
- 200 g of wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- ¹/² tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of water
For assembly
- 100 g sliced semi-cured cheese
- 5 chopped green olives
- 2 sliced boiled eggs
- Egg yolk for brushing
- 1 cup boiled guariroba tea and sliced
Method of preparation
Filling
1. Heat the oil and sauté the garlic in a pan.
2. Add the sausage, skinless and crumbled, and the loin and let it braise.
3. Add the chicken and turmeric. Let it brown well.
4. Add the onion, tomato, stock tablet, hot water and cook until everything is soft. Store and let it stay moist.
Pasta
5. Mix all the ingredients in a container and gradually add the warm water.
6. With your hands, knead well until you get a smooth dough that is easy to work.
7. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 1 hour.
Assembly
8. On a surface sprinkled with flour, roll out 2/3 of the dough to a thickness a little thicker than pastry dough.
9. With this dough, line the bottom and edges of a round pan measuring 22cm in diameter. Add the filling, interspersing it with the cheese, olives, boiled egg and cover them all with the guariroba.
10. Roll out the rest of the dough on a surface and cover the pie, don't forget to seal the edges well.
11. Brush with the egg yolk and place in the oven at 180°C, already preheated, to bake. The average time is around 30 minutes, or until golden.
12. Serve immediately.
Conclusion
In this article, you can discover the many benefits that real saffron offers. That is why it is so important to know whether saffron is real in order to enjoy this wonder that is good for your health.
We hope that the information contained in the text will be of great use to you. If you liked the post, we invite you to discover more related and interesting topics on our blog!