Determination of Saffron Quality through a Multi-Analytical Approach

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Saffron quality is currently assessed using the ISO 3632 standard, which employs UV-Vis spectrophotometry.
• This standard categorizes saffron into three commercial grades.
• However, the ISO method has documented weaknesses and limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel multi-analytical approach for saffron quality determination.
• To address the limitations of the existing ISO 3632 standard.
• To explore the efficacy of advanced analytical techniques for comprehensive saffron analysis.

Main Methods:

• UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis)
• Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR)
• Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX)
• Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES)

Main Results:

• The commercial grading based on ISO 3632 did not consistently align with results from other techniques.
• SEM-EDX and ICP-OES effectively determined elemental composition and metal content.
• These new techniques provide crucial parameters for a more accurate quality assessment.

Conclusions:

• The proposed multi-analytical approach provides a more robust assessment of saffron quality compared to the ISO 3632 standard.
• SEM-EDX and ICP-OES are valuable additions for evaluating elemental composition and metal contamination in saffron.
• This study highlights the need for updated methodologies in saffron quality control.