A Pinch of Saffron

[WeAreBongo]

Food people of the world, I need your brains (not to eat, just to pick at - I know, sounds almost as bad). Anyhows, I'm dithering...
When a recipe asks for a "pinch" of saffron, exactly how much does that represent? Believe me, I can pinch a little and I can pinch a LOT. Thank you good people.

[peppy]

Crikey WeAre Bongo, as little as possible I think as it's more expensive than gold !!!

Sorry to be flippant, will move aside and make way for the sensible peeps ! x x

[heathfield]

As I was taught, (though others may have their own ideas)...

Large pinch. Make your hand into a fist, and fully grasp the ingredient between the side of the fore-finger and the thumb.
Medium pinch. Grasp with the side of the first joint of the forefinger and the thumb.
Small pinch. Grasp between the pads of the first joint of the forefinger and thumb.
Tiny pinch. Grasp between the tips of the forefinger and thumb.

Some measuring spoons labelled 'a pinch' will hold 0.6ml of liquid.

Saffron's so expensive, I'd just use maybe a dozen strands, or cheat, and use tumeric instead!

[WeAreBongo]

So a dozen strands will make my fishy saffron sauce for two sufficiently, erm, saffronny?

[Hammer Head]

Don't EVER use turmuric when saffron is required in a recipe. I would say that a pinch of saffron would be about 1/4 of the amount sold in small jars in the supermarket.

[WeAreBongo]

That'll do me! Thanks y'all!

[Clanad]

In defense of heathfield's suggestion, I find that many imported containers of saffron already contain tumeric as a filler to extend thereally expensive saffron. Tumeric can be used in inexpensive dishes not being prepared for the Queen or our President here in the U.S. While it does add the golden color desired, it has a more pronounced taste, sometimes described as being nearer that of ginger. So, considering the cost, I'd have no problem in substituting tumeric, especially considering most people have never tasted saffron anyway. I'd probably own up to it and hope to have a small supply of saffron in the future, though...

[Figi]

I'm in the "never use turmeric as a substitute" camp. Saffron has such a wonderful delicate taste and fragrance all of its own. If you can't afford it, cook something different!

[Hammer Head]

Clanad, I assume you're buying powdered saffron not the threads. If you buy threads, you are buying a superior product that CANNOT contain any turmuric.

Turmeric is a great ingredient and has its place but that place is not as a substitute for saffron.