Beyond its established role in savory dishes, saffron can play nicely on the sweet side of the menu. With its delicate fragrance, gorgeous hue and floral tone, saffron works well as a swirl through panna cotta or ice cream, or a final flourish in a chocolate dessert. Saffron-infused pastry cream in donuts or churros promises differentiation and leans into the hi-lo trend. Haraz Coffee House, a Middle Eastern bakery based in Dearborn, Mich., demonstrates the magic behind a saffron and rose pairing in its Saffron-Rose Milk Cake.

Flavors on the Edge is an ongoing series that explores emerging ingredients poised to become high-impact flavor builders.