This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.
Safflower (Hong Hua) is a highly branched, herbaceous, thistle-like annual plant in the sunflower family Asteraceae. The flowers are prized in the East and used in herbal medicine.
Dried Saffron is a herb derived from Safflower and used for both its medicinal properties, as well as cooking. The use of the flower and the seed oil is widespread and is especially popular in many Asian dishes. Safflower seed oil, in particular, is increasing in popularity.
Hong Hua is classically combined with Dried Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Dried Szechuan Lovage Rhizome (Chuan Xiong), and Dried Angelica Root (Dang Gui) in traditional preparations.
Vivid Colour: The deep red-orange florets lend a distinctive colour to broths, rice dishes, and infusions.
Circulation: Hong Hua has long been included in traditional preparations associated with supporting natural circulation.
Aromatic: Its mild, slightly sweet character works alongside other ingredients without dominating them.
Traditional Heritage: One of the long established herbs in Chinese practice, valued for centuries.
Versatile: Suits infusions and cooking alike, usually as part of a blend.
We recommend around 3g per portion.
Steep the florets in hot water for five to ten minutes, then strain. A little goes a long way, both for colour and flavour, so start with less and adjust. They can also be added to rice dishes and broths near the end of cooking.
Not suitable during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking anticoagulant medication, or due to have surgery, speak to a healthcare professional before use.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, which fades the colour.
At Vita Herbal Nutrition, we focus on providing premium quality herbs, carefully chosen to support your journey and elevate your cooking.
We offer a 100% sulphur-free herb range. Many others use sulphur to enhance appearance and extend shelf life, but this can alter the herb’s natural properties and cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Our herbs are sourced from authentic DaoDi-grown Chinese plants, cultivated in pristine environments to guarantee purity, potency, and sustainability. Through our trusted partnerships since 2010, we select herbs from their ideal growing regions and harvest them at the right time for maximum efficacy.
Using modern processing techniques, we ensure the integrity of each herb, so you receive the highest quality herbal supplements.
What is Hong Hua?Hong Hua is dried safflower, the florets of a thistle-like plant in the sunflower family, used in Chinese preparations and cooking.
Is safflower the same as saffron?No. True saffron comes from the crocus flower, while safflower is a different plant. Safflower is sometimes used in place of saffron for colour, but the two are distinct.
How do I use Hong Hua?Steep around 3g in hot water for five to ten minutes, then strain, or add to rice dishes and broths near the end of cooking.
What does it taste like?Mild and faintly sweet, with far more impact on colour than on flavour.
Is it suitable for a plant-based diet?Yes, it is entirely plant-derived and can be used in vegan and vegetarian preparations.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
