Quality of Saffron in Oman Markets

Abstract

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, it is highly valued as a culinary spice for its flavor and color properties. Since saffron is an expensive product, it is cheated by the dealers, therefore, quality control of saffron is important for the spice industries and also the consumers. This study aims to evaluate the saffron quality in Omani markets according to the ISO standard. A total of 21 saffron samples were examined; 2 in powder form and 19 in filaments. The samples of saffron were purchased from different hyper-markets and local markets in Muscat, Oman. Saffron’s commercial value is determined according to the ISO standard which include moisture, ash, acid insoluble ash, extract %, sulfuric test, artificial colors, spectrum, Flavor, aroma and color. The saffron samples were in line with standard in terms of moisture, ash, acid insoluble ash and extract %.  The two powder saffron samples failed in sulfuric, spectrum and flavor tests. From the 19 samples of saffron filament, three samples were failed to achieve the flavor and color limits required by the standard. This failure to standard quality could be due to poor processing condition such as drying and packaging or due to adulteration. The standard parameters could not distinguish between low quality and adulteration due to its limited and unspecific parameters. Therefore, we recommend improving the saffron standard with parameters targeting adulteration.