Throughout its history , as a spice, saffron has always been affected by its adulteration. As it is a coloring and flovoring agent, it is admixed with both types of materials. Saffron is manipulated with compatible substances like extracted saffron, colored maize fibers , addition of yellow styles which have no aromatic or flavouring value, sedge grass fibers, shredded fibers especially cut into shapes/strips/pieces and tinged with safranin.

With the pessage of time new methods of adulteration are found out along with the researches to improve the quality of saffron. So it is not easy for a common man to test the purity of saffron. However there are some methods to test the quality of saffron purchased from market in the case of doubt .They are as under.

• When you first put quality saffron in liquid, the liquid will turn a slightly pale yellow and over time will turn the liquid a stronger and more vibrant colour. If your saffron immediately turns the water a strong yellow, this is a sing your saffron is artificially coloured. What you are actually seeing is the dye washing of your saffron.
• Saffron has a complex flavour and aroma and is described as having a slightly bitter taste. It has an aromatic, hot and slightly bitter taste.

This is the domestic way to check the quality of saffron. Professional and scientific way is to go through Thin Layer Chromatography ( TLC ) test. Saffron Product supplied by us is always tested through TLC test technology according to ISO norms.