NMR Spectroscopic Studies in Saffron Authenticity and Quality (Within the Frame Saffronomics Cost Action FA1101) Check Access

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world market and for this reason it is exposed to large quality manipulation, including plant, colorant and chemical additions. ISO 3632 has consequently established quality criteria for the control of authenticity, quality and origin. However adulterants are not sufficiently considered in the in the ISO 3632 specifications or in any national legislation. NMR and other spectroscopic techniques which are largely adopted to verify purity and investigate additives exclusively based on spectrophotometric measurements. Spectroscopic analysis is a possible means for checking sample adulteration because many plant tissue adulterants could impair spectrophotometric quantifications of raw saffron samples. Additionally these analytical techniques, such as Infrared and Raman spectroscopy, are versatile, fast and non-destructive and can provide spectral fingerprints of a wide range of potential analytes. Thus far, advances in knowledge on saffron composition resulting from such analysis, along with new analytical tools and global market trends have contributed to the improvement of the ISO standard specifications and methods.