subject: Saffron the spice dealing with adulteration [print this page] Saffron the spice dealing with adulteration
Saffron is a very expensive and one of its own kinds of spice that is extracted out of a natural flower. The scientific name of the natural flower is Crocus sativa and because of its unique taste and aroma its three stigmas are sometimes used as a coloring agent in food items. When you compare saffron with other spices of the world in terms of all the qualities, it proves that saffron the spice is the most costliest and unique spice of them all. As per the scientific researches and studies, there are approximately more than 150 compounds present in saffron that result in its unique qualities and aroma and other than that there are more non-volatile components like carotenoids like zeaxanthin, lycopene and other alpha and beta carotenes because of which there are medical qualities in saffron.
Every good thing on earth has its own shortcomings and similar is the case that of saffron. It is because of its unique qualities, saffron is also one of the most adulterated products of the world. Despite of repeated attempts to stop the adulterated practice and strict actions, saffron adulteration remains the matter of concern in most of the saffron marketing nations. One of the most popular varieties in saffron is the pure Kashmiri saffron and because of these malpractices buying saffron has become a daunting task. Kashmiri saffron is popular among the masses because of the unique sense of taste and flavor that it adds to the food, in which it is added. The problem of adulteration in the product started from the European regions, where saffron was mixed with different types of beets and low quality silk fibers. Often the practice of replacing quality saffron with old and low quality thread were done and even mixing saffron with oils to add weight was a practice followed in the areas of Europe. Apart from these, marketing gimmicks are involved in confusing the customers those are willing to buy Kashmiri saffron.
Often the practice of replacing quality saffron with old and low quality thread were done and even mixing saffron with oils to add weight was a practice followed in the areas of Europe. Apart from these, marketing gimmicks are involved in confusing the customers those are willing to buy Kashmiri saffron.
