Forensic Identification of Fake & Genuine Saffron (Kesar) from Local Market of Greater Noida

Abstract

Saffron (Kesar) is one of the most expensive spices used all over the world. Having various properties, it is also used in herbal and traditional medicine. Because of its medicinal properties it is vastly in demand and so it became frequent object to being adulterated and faked. It is derived from the dried stigma of Crocus sativus flowers. This is rare and endangered plant that is the reason to fake saffron in local markets. The research study on forensically identification of the saffron by Chemical methods, microscopic and UV-Visible Spectrophotometry instrument are used were performed on the saffron samples to explore rapid authenticity testing of genuine saffron. Saffron being adulterated by treating with colors and chemicals to give it genuine look and smell, which can cause toxicity (Figure 1).