Ditaxis heterantha | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
Genus: | Ditaxis |
Species: | D. heterantha |
Binomial name | |
Ditaxis heterantha Zucc. |
Ditaxis heterantha is a member of the plant family Euphorbiaceae and grows wild in Guanajuato, Mexico, where it is known as azafrán, azafrancillo, or azafrán de bolita and has several culinary uses, including as a substitute for saffron. Ditaxis heterantha is not related to true saffron (Crocus sativus) nor to safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), which also is used as a saffron substitute.
Ditaxis heterantha has dull, dark brown seeds 3-5 mm in diameter that resemble allspice. The waxy, deep orange endosperm of the seed is used in Mexico (particularly Guanajuato) for coloring and flavoring food, such as menudo amarillo.[1] It has an oil content of about 40% and a protein content of about 20%,[2] as well as containing the apocarotenoids heterathin and ditaxin.[3]