Common saffron substitutes include safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius , which is often sold as `` Portuguese saffron '' or `` assafroa '' ) and turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) . Common saffron substitutes include safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius , which is often sold as `` Portuguese saffron '' or `` aÃ afrÃ # o '' ) , annatto , and turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) .