Yellow Saffron Food Coloring

This homemade food coloring derives its color from saffron.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (100 g) plus 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon saffron threads
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Yellow Saffron Food Coloring

Photo: Larry Jacobsen from Cheyenne Wyoming / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Procedure

  1. Use a pestle and mortar to crush the saffron and 1 tablespoon sugar together into a fine powder.
  2. Combine the powder in a saucepan with the water and the rest of the sugar.
  3. Turn the heat to medium-high, and stir to dissolve the sugar.
  4. Simmer until the liquid reduces to a single-thread consistency.
  5. Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
  6. Cool slightly, then pour into an airtight jar and cool completely.

Notes, tips, and variations

  • The food coloring can be stored in refrigerator for up to three months.
  • To use in frostings, add the food coloring, ¼ teaspoon at a time, mixing after each addition.

References