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Inspiration in the color saffron.

Learn the history and meaning of the color saffron, a yellow as revered as its namesake spice.

Design with saffron

Saffron

#F4C430

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The color saffron in nature.

Nature provides expansive saffron color inspiration beyond the namesake spice. Countless plants feature the color saffron, from the saffron plum to the saffron thistle. Birds like the saffron finch sport saffron color plumage, too. Even the sea offers the saffron cod. Finally, the ominous virus yellow fever has the nickname “saffron scourge.”

The color saffron in popular media.

From song lyrics to imaginary lands, the color saffron has made many appearances in popular culture in the last 60 years. The 1966 song “Mellow Yellow” by Donovan repeats the line, “I’m just mad about saffron.” The Kanto region in the Pokémon universe is named Saffron City. A character in the BBC program Absolutely Fabulous is even named Saffron Monsoon.

Use the psychology of the color saffron.

Saffron color symbolizes different things in different parts of the world. In the West, the psychology of the color saffron evokes a feeling of enlightenment and new beginnings. In South Asia and further into the East, saffron color is a symbol of sacrifice and holiness.

Combine saffron with other colors.

Combine the color saffron with its complementary color cerulean blue for a striking contrast. Saffron’s split complementary colors break cerulean into baby blue and cobalt, which together bring out the natural heat of saffron. Set saffron color next to lime green and burnt orange for a nature-inspired palette, or sweeten it next to rose, azure, and mint.

Information about saffron color.

The saffron HEX code picker is #F4C430. This is a medium yellow kindled with a soft orange tint.

The color saffron can be achieved in an RGB space with 244 red, 196 green, and 48 blue. Saffron color can be achieved in a CMYK color space with 0% cyan, 20% magenta, 80% yellow, and 4% black.

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What is the meaning of the color saffron?

Saffron color is a vivid yellow backlit by a red-orange warmth. Its namesake, the spice saffron, is one of the most expensive and venerated spices in the world. Iran is the largest producer of saffron, however, its history in the kitchen stretches from Ancient Greece to India to the Americas. With a pleasant aroma, powerful taste, and rich nutrients, this “powdered gold” is used as much for its flavor as for its coloring role.

The color saffron, a yellow-orange blend, was named after the spice. In turn, saffron spice leaves its colorful mark on every plate it touches.

Design with saffron