There are some common ways to measure the quality of saffron, but they are not practical for international trade. ISO 3632 clearly specifies the requirements and criteria for the saffron quality, applicable for both whole filament and powder form. We already covered the common ways to check the quality and purity of saffron in “Seven Easy Ways to Identify Real Saffron”. This time, we intend to provide a brief description of the ISO 3632 saffron quality requirements for international saffron trade and export.
This ISO establishes a method to determine the color strength and color differences of saffron. Tests of other factors of saffron such as aroma and flavor are not addressed in this standard.
Part one of ISO 3632 consists of eight descriptive categories in saffron quality including:
1- Scope: This section specifies what ISO 3632 is about. The scope of this standard only covers the requirements of saffron whole filament as a loose, supple, elastic, and hygroscopic mass of filament or powder form.
2- Normative references: indicates the standards that constitute the provision of this part of ISO 3632. The currently valid international standards are:
3- Terms and Definitions: Includes a definition of stigma, style, stamen, saffron filaments, cut filaments, yellow filaments, floral waste, extraneous matter, and saffron powder.
4- Specification: Explores four categories of filaments on the basis of floral waste and extraneous matter contents. This section also explores flavor specification, freedom from molds, insects, etc., and chemical requirements.
5- Sampling: To further know the requirements of saffron sampling, we should refer to the details of ISO 948.
6- Preparation of test sample: This section specifies that the test sample should be prepared in accordance with ISO 3632-2:1993 clause 4, at a minimum of 10 grams weight. This part recommends carrying out the test as quickly as possible after the preparation of the sample.
7- Test methods: This section explains what physical and chemical analysis is required for filament or powder saffron samples. This table, taken from ISO 3632 specification, briefly explains the chemical requirements in filaments and powder form.
8- Packing and marking: This section explains that saffron should be packed in clean, rigid, water-tight containers. As for marking, different marking method instructions are required for filament and powder saffron.
This is the main frame of reference for saffron quality, however, there are some arguments regarding the effectiveness of the spectrophotometric method to assess the overall quality of saffron.
According to this standard, Iran produces Grade A and Grade B of saffron. To review the full text of ISO 3632 saffron quality, please click here.
There are several test methods and standards to inspect the different characteristics of herbs and spices, including:
Saffron adulteration normally occurs by fraudulent actors in saffron market and there are different laboratory techniques to detect them. Among those laboratory techniques there are Spectrophotometric analysis, electronic nose system, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and microscopic study of samples. We encourage to learn more about these laboratory detection methods in another blog post: “How to Detect Saffron Adulteration?”
SunLand performs the general laboratory tests to make sure about the purity and quality of the products, according to ISO 3632 and supplement test methods and standards. Our laboratory tests results in various information including:
Currently, Iran produces the best saffron in the world, for many reasons, including access to suitable climate, soil, farmer knowledge, etc. Spain, Greece, India, Pakistan, and Morocco come after Iran as the major saffron producing countries.
“What Information Do We Get from Saffron Laboratory Tests?” Clearly explains the list of information that suppliers are supposed to receive after conducting laboratory test. SunLand, normally conducts all regular tests to ensure customers and traders about the quality of the saffron products.
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