Turmeric

Turmeric is prized in East Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines for both its distinctive color and its bitter, spicy depth. It lends its bright coloring to curries, rice, satay, and more. Substitute 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika for saffron. 

In traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine it's also believed to ease indigestion and other internal disorders.