The much more abundant and less labor intensive version of its cousin, Saffron, American Safflower is made from the pressed petals of the safflower plant. It adds a nutty, buttery flavor that pairs well in soups, rice dishes, and bread.

All about Safflower, American — Spice

What it’s like, and how to make it

HeatNo heat
CuisineMiddle & eastern, mediterranean
Best forSaute pan fry
Goes inRice grains, soups stews
WithChicken, vegetarian
What’s in itsafflower

How to use it

The saffron stand-in for color — a pinch turns rice, soups, and broths golden yellow without the saffron price tag. Steep in warm water for 5 minutes, then add the liquid to paella, biryani, or risotto. Won't match saffron's flavor, but the visual warmth is unmistakable. Also beautiful scattered over salads as a garnish.

  • Safflower, American spice, shown over a chalk-and-watercolour illustration
  • Illustration: Safflower, American with Obanazawa in Japan's Mogami valley in the summer of 1689
  • Illustration: Chicken Biryani, made with Safflower, American
  • Illustration of Safflower, American in The Tea & Spice Shoppe bag and jar, with Obanazawa in Japan's Mogami valley in the summer of 1689
  • Safflower, American - The Tea & Spice Shoppe

What it goes with

Safflower has been brewed as its own tea for centuries in Korea and China. For a golden-hued pairing, brew our Chamomile alongside a safflower-colored rice dish — warm colors, warm flavors, calm vibes.

Also in these blends

On its own, this is the straight thing. It also goes into these blends, each made for a different evening. Read about Safflower →

Reviews

What the time-travelers say

206 of the shop’s 213 reviews are five stars — left by people who actually bought the tea

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Jamaican Curry Powder

Great products and great service

I had a slight mix up on my order, they were quick to reply and correct my order with no issues. Amazing service and great…

I had a slight mix up on my order, they were quick to reply and correct my order with no issues. Amazing service and great products.

— Nick C. Verified

Peach White, Organic

Great tea

A lovely, delicate tea. The peach is strong without being overwhelming or cloying, and the calendula is a nice addition. Very…

A lovely, delicate tea. The peach is strong without being overwhelming or cloying, and the calendula is a nice addition. Very tasty!

— Zoe R. Verified

Maple Peach

Maple Peach

The maple peach is delicious. What a beautiful combination. I will most definitely order it again, and a higher quantity of it.

— Gerda S. Verified

Dill Weed

Always handy

I use dillweed often. This dill is fresh and has a nice aroma. I use it in marinades, salad dressings, and on fish. Good stuff.

— Jennifer D. Verified

Detox Tea, Organic

Great stuff

This has helped my household a lot with circulation and alertness when we had it everyday. Will be ordering again soon. Thanks

— Dave G. Verified

Blueberry Bang Rooibos

Love this tea. Hands down my fav rooibos. This store is our one-stop-shop for tea and spice. Great service, top notch product.…

Love this tea. Hands down my fav rooibos. This store is our one-stop-shop for tea and spice. Great service, top notch product. 10/10!!

— Erin Poeta P. Verified

English Breakfast Decaf

Delicious

I love this black tea, it has a really nice smooth flavour and love how it’s Swiss water method decaf. Will be buying again!

— Jessica A. Verified

Toffee Olé

Great flavorful tea

Toffee Ole is one of our favorite teas to share with friends in the evening, when we want something non-caffeinated but quite…

Toffee Ole is one of our favorite teas to share with friends in the evening, when we want something non-caffeinated but quite flavorful.

— Joel R. Verified

Assam Estate CTC BOP

Another full bodied ‘real tea’ . ie It is not a flavoured tea. However, we do very much enjoy the Cafe Latte tea which is a…

Another full bodied ‘real tea’ . ie It is not a flavoured tea. However, we do very much enjoy the Cafe Latte tea which is a flavoured tea!!!

— Ted H. Verified

Ayurvedic Throat Coat

teas

love , love, love and they shipping is very fast. the headache tea works great, the throat coat tea works great as well

— Miranda A. Verified

Ayurvedic Breathe Deep

4 stars

It worked beautifully; perhaps if I add a little more honey, it would make it better… It is a wellness tea, after all!

— Merrilee B. Verified

Bancha, Organic

Bancha with a splash of lemon

A wonderful Green Tea. Smooth in taste. Also suitable as a summer tea with a splash of lemon. A second infusion makes an…

A wonderful Green Tea. Smooth in taste. Also suitable as a summer tea with a splash of lemon. A second infusion makes an enjoyable second cup!

— Monika F. Verified

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