The primary pigment that gives saffron its yellow color is crocin.
Crocin is a water-soluble carotenoid found in the dried red stigmas of Crocus sativus, the saffron crocus. Although pure crocin crystals can appear deep red, they produce a vivid yellow-to-orange color when dissolved in water, which is why a few saffron threads can tint rice, broths, and desserts.
Saffron contains a family of related pigments called crocins, along with other important compounds such as picrocrocin, which contributes bitterness, and safranal, which provides much of its characteristic aroma. Crocetin forms the chemical core of crocin, but crocetin itself is not the main pigment usually named in this context.
Crocin is often confused with curcumin, the yellow pigment in turmeric. Curcumin can imitate saffron’s color, but it comes from a different plant and has a different chemical structure. The high cost of genuine saffron has made turmeric and other substitutes common sources of adulteration.