Methods for distinguishing true and false saffron: observation, soaking in water, wiping, pressing, iodine method.

1. Observation method: The part of saffron used as medicine is the stigma of the pistil of the saffron flower. After being picked and dried, there are red filaments one by one, and the tops of the filaments are enlarged in the shape of a bell mouth. Experienced people can distinguish through observation the fake products that are faked with grass safflower and the fake ones that are dyed and shredded with edible glue.

2. Water soaking method: Use the water soaking method to identify dyed fakes. Saffron filaments are red, but the active ingredients are yellow when the concentration is relatively low. Dyed fakes can only be dyed red and will appear red when soaked in water.

3. Wiping method: Mainly used to identify dyed fake saffron. Take a sample of saffron filaments and rub it hard on white paper to see the color of the wiping marks. The traces of genuine saffron will appear yellow or orange. The wipe marks of fake saffron are red. If the trace is not easy to color, you can first dip the filament in water and then wipe it.

4. Pressing method: Mainly used to identify fake saffron that has been soaked in oil and gained weight. If the saffron is relatively moist and shiny, you can use the pressing method to identify it. Take a small amount of sample saffron, place it between two layers of paper and press it firmly to see if there are oil stains on the paper. If there are oil stains, it means it is fake saffron that has been soaked in oil and gained weight.

5. Iodine method: It is mainly used to identify fake saffron made from starch-containing raw materials. This method can only identify fake saffron made from starch-containing raw materials, but cannot identify fake saffron that does not contain starch. The principle of using iodine method to identify saffron is that starch turns blue when exposed to iodine.