saffron

/'sæfrən/

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Word: Saffron

Part of Speech: Noun

Basic Definition: Saffron is a spice that is bright yellow-orange in color. It comes from the dried parts (stigmas) of a flower called the saffron crocus, which has purple or white flowers. Saffron is often used to add flavor and color to food.

Usage Instructions: Saffron is usually used in small amounts because it is very strong in flavor and color. To use saffron, you can soak a few strands in warm water or broth before adding it to your dish to get the best flavor.

Example Sentence: "The chef added a pinch of saffron to the rice, giving it a beautiful golden color and a unique taste."

Advanced Usage:

In cooking, saffron is prized for its ability to enhance dishes like risotto, paella, and certain soups. It can also be used in desserts and teas.

Word Variants:

• Saffron (noun): The spice itself.
• Saffron-colored (adjective): Describing something that has a color similar to saffron (a bright yellow-orange).

Different Meanings:

While saffron primarily refers to the spice, it can also refer to the color associated with it. In some contexts, "saffron" may symbolize luxury, wealth, or quality due to its high price and unique characteristics.

Synonyms:

• There are no exact synonyms for saffron since it is a specific spice, but you might use terms like "spice" or "seasoning" in a broader sense.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren't common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to saffron. However, you might hear phrases like "worth its weight in gold," which could apply to saffron because it is one of the most expensive spices in the world.

Conclusion:

Saffron is a unique and valuable spice used in cooking to enhance flavor and color.

Academic

Noun

1. a shade of yellow tinged with orange
2. dried pungent stigmas of the Old World saffron crocus
3. Old World crocus having purple or white flowers with aromatic pungent orange stigmas used in flavoring food

Synonyms

• orange yellow
• saffron crocus
• Crocus sativus