The medicinal part of crocus sativus is the red part at the top of stigma of crocus sativus pistil. After picking and drying, it is a red filament with a trumpet-shaped top. Through observation, we can distinguish the fake saffron from the fake one dyed and shredded with edible gum.
Observation method can also be used to identify the fake products of edible gum dyeing and shredding, but it requires some experience and is difficult for ordinary users. Dyed and shredded fakes are cut with tools instead of growing naturally, so the cutting marks on the edges are obvious. Although the top is thick, there is no flare-like expansion. The natural flare expansion at the top of the filament can refer to the detailed picture of the filament above. Experienced friends can use observation to identify the fake products dyed and shredded with edible gum, and unfamiliar friends can continue to use the following soaking method to identify them.
Second, identify the authenticity of saffron by soaking in water.
Soaking method is mainly used to identify dyed fake saffron. Although saffron silk is red, its effective components are yellow at low concentration. Dyed fakes can only be dyed red and soaked in water. The operation method of identifying saffron by soaking in water is to take several samples of saffron filaments, put them in a white porcelain bowl filled with hot water, and then observe the discoloration of the water. Real saffron can see the obvious yellow effective components released from around the filaments, and finally dye the water golden yellow. Dyeing fakes dyed the water light red.
Third, the rubbing method can distinguish the authenticity of saffron.
Wipe method is also mainly used to identify dyed fake saffron. The operation method of identifying saffron by wiping method is to take sample saffron filaments, then rub them hard on white paper, and then look at the color of wiping marks. Authentic saffron traces are yellow or orange, and dyed fake saffron wiping traces are red. If the trace is not easy to develop color, you can dip the filament in water before wiping it.
Fourthly, identify the authenticity of saffron by tabletting.
Squeezing method is mainly used to identify the weight gain of fake saffron soaked in oil. If saffron looks wet and feels shiny, it can be identified by pressing. The operation method of identifying saffron by pressing method is to take a small piece of saffron sample, press it hard between two layers of paper, and then observe whether there is oil stain on the paper. If there is oil stain, it means that the fake saffron gained weight by soaking in oil. At present, there are few oil-soaked fake saffron in the market, and it is easy to identify it by its wet, oily and oily characteristics.
Five, iodometry to identify the authenticity of saffron.
Iodine liquor method is mainly used to identify fake saffron made of starch-containing raw materials. This method has some limitations. Only the fake saffron made of starch-containing raw materials can be identified, but the fake saffron without starch can not be identified. The principle of identifying saffron by iodometry is that starch turns blue when it meets iodine. The operation method of identifying saffron with iodine is to drop iodine on the sample filament. If it turns blue, it means it is fake saffron made of starch. If it doesn't turn blue, it can't be sure it's genuine.
Sixth, identify the authenticity of saffron by concentrated sulfuric acid method.
The concentrated sulfuric acid method is mainly used to identify the false crocus sativus from non-plant sources. This method also has great limitations, and can only identify fake saffron made of non-plant tissues, such as plastic silk. The principle of identifying saffron by concentrated sulfuric acid method is that concentrated sulfuric acid can carbonize plant tissues. The operation method of identifying saffron by concentrated sulfuric acid method is to drop concentrated sulfuric acid on the sample filament. If it is not carbonized, it means that the fake saffron is not of plant origin. If it is carbonized, it cannot be sure that it is genuine.