# What combines with saffron?

Saffron pairs best with fish, shellfish, white rice and basmati rice. See all 84 ingredients that combine with saffron, ranked from good to made for each other.

Saffron is a spice that is derived from the crocus flower. It is used in many cuisines to add flavor and color to food. Saffron pairs well with other spices, such as cumin, turmeric, and cardamom. It can also be paired with fruits, such as oranges and lemons. Saffron is also often used in rice dishes, such as paella and risotto.

## Flavour notes

- **Taste:** sour–sweet–bitter
- **Intensity:** very loud
- **Weight:** very light
- **Effect:** cooling
- **Tip:** Add later in the cooking process; saffron is activated by the heat of cooking.

## Classic partners (strength 3 of 4)

- [fish](https://whatcombines.com/with/fish.md)
- [shellfish](https://whatcombines.com/with/shellfish.md)
- [white rice](https://whatcombines.com/with/white_rice.md)

## Reliable matches (strength 2 of 4)

- [basmati rice](https://whatcombines.com/with/basmati_rice.md)
- [cardamom](https://whatcombines.com/with/cardamom.md)
- [chicken](https://whatcombines.com/with/chicken.md)
- [cinnamon](https://whatcombines.com/with/cinnamon.md)
- [cod](https://whatcombines.com/with/cod.md)
- [couscous](https://whatcombines.com/with/couscous.md)
- [fennel](https://whatcombines.com/with/fennel.md)
- [garlic](https://whatcombines.com/with/garlic.md)
- [ginger](https://whatcombines.com/with/ginger.md)
- [indian cuisine](https://whatcombines.com/with/indian_cuisine.md)
- [monkfish](https://whatcombines.com/with/monkfish.md)
- [moroccan cuisine](https://whatcombines.com/with/moroccan_cuisine.md)
- [potatoes](https://whatcombines.com/with/potatoes.md)
- [shrimp](https://whatcombines.com/with/shrimp.md)
- [spanish cuisine](https://whatcombines.com/with/spanish_cuisine.md)
- [tomatoes](https://whatcombines.com/with/tomatoes.md)

## Also good with (strength 1 of 4)

- [anise](https://whatcombines.com/with/anise.md)
- [arborio or carnaroli rice](https://whatcombines.com/with/arborio_or_carnaroli_rice.md)
- [astringency](https://whatcombines.com/with/astringency.md)
- [basil](https://whatcombines.com/with/basil.md)
- [bass](https://whatcombines.com/with/bass.md)
- [beef](https://whatcombines.com/with/beef.md)
- [bell peppers](https://whatcombines.com/with/bell_peppers.md)
- [black bass](https://whatcombines.com/with/black_bass.md)
- [brazilian cuisine](https://whatcombines.com/with/brazilian_cuisine.md)
- [cannellini beans](https://whatcombines.com/with/cannellini_beans.md)
- [carrots](https://whatcombines.com/with/carrots.md)
- [chard](https://whatcombines.com/with/chard.md)
- [cheese](https://whatcombines.com/with/cheese.md)
- [chickpeas](https://whatcombines.com/with/chickpeas.md)
- [chile peppers](https://whatcombines.com/with/chile_peppers.md)
- [citrus](https://whatcombines.com/with/citrus.md)
- [clams](https://whatcombines.com/with/clams.md)
- [cloves](https://whatcombines.com/with/cloves.md)
- [coriander](https://whatcombines.com/with/coriander.md)
- [corn](https://whatcombines.com/with/corn.md)
- [curry powder and sauces](https://whatcombines.com/with/curry_powder_and_sauces.md)
- [custards](https://whatcombines.com/with/custards.md)
- [eggplant](https://whatcombines.com/with/eggplant.md)
- [fennel seeds](https://whatcombines.com/with/fennel_seeds.md)
- [ground ginger](https://whatcombines.com/with/ground_ginger.md)
- [halibut](https://whatcombines.com/with/halibut.md)
- [iranian cuisine](https://whatcombines.com/with/iranian_cuisine.md)
- [italian cuisine](https://whatcombines.com/with/italian_cuisine.md)
- [kidney beans](https://whatcombines.com/with/kidney_beans.md)
- [lamb](https://whatcombines.com/with/lamb.md)
- [leeks](https://whatcombines.com/with/leeks.md)
- [luxurious](https://whatcombines.com/with/luxurious.md)
- [meats](https://whatcombines.com/with/meats.md)
- [mexican cuisine](https://whatcombines.com/with/mexican_cuisine.md)
- [middle eastern cuisine](https://whatcombines.com/with/middle_eastern_cuisine.md)
- [mushrooms](https://whatcombines.com/with/mushrooms.md)
- [mussels](https://whatcombines.com/with/mussels.md)
- [north african cuisine](https://whatcombines.com/with/north_african_cuisine.md)
- [nutmeg](https://whatcombines.com/with/nutmeg.md)
- [onions](https://whatcombines.com/with/onions.md)
- [oysters](https://whatcombines.com/with/oysters.md)
- [paprika](https://whatcombines.com/with/paprika.md)
- [portuguese cuisine](https://whatcombines.com/with/portuguese_cuisine.md)
- [preserved lemons](https://whatcombines.com/with/preserved_lemons.md)
- [rabbit](https://whatcombines.com/with/rabbit.md)
- [russian cuisine](https://whatcombines.com/with/russian_cuisine.md)
- [rutabagas](https://whatcombines.com/with/rutabagas.md)
- [salt cod](https://whatcombines.com/with/salt_cod.md)
- [sardines](https://whatcombines.com/with/sardines.md)
- [scallops](https://whatcombines.com/with/scallops.md)
- [sea bass](https://whatcombines.com/with/sea_bass.md)
- [seafood](https://whatcombines.com/with/seafood.md)
- [skate](https://whatcombines.com/with/skate.md)
- [snap peas](https://whatcombines.com/with/snap_peas.md)
- [snapper](https://whatcombines.com/with/snapper.md)
- [spinach](https://whatcombines.com/with/spinach.md)
- [squid](https://whatcombines.com/with/squid.md)
- [swordfish](https://whatcombines.com/with/swordfish.md)
- [turbot](https://whatcombines.com/with/turbot.md)
- [vanilla](https://whatcombines.com/with/vanilla.md)
- [veal](https://whatcombines.com/with/veal.md)
- [vegetables](https://whatcombines.com/with/vegetables.md)
- [winter squash](https://whatcombines.com/with/winter_squash.md)
- [yogurt](https://whatcombines.com/with/yogurt.md)
- [zucchini](https://whatcombines.com/with/zucchini.md)

Source: https://whatcombines.com/with/saffron