Progressive Horticulture
Year : 2007, Volume : 39, Issue : 1
First page : ( 92) Last page : ( 94)
Print ISSN : 0970-3020. Online ISSN : 2249-5258.

Studies on physico-chemical composition of Uttarakhand saffron (Crocus Sativus L.)

Khan I.A.

G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Horticulture Research and Extension Centre, Chaubattia (Almora), Uttarakhand

Online published on 5 April, 2012.

Abstract

Saffron produced from Uttarakhand state, is known as Uttarakhand Saffron. Its stigma is three branched and all filaments are not equal in length. Average length of filament is 2.70 cm where as average dry weight of stigma is 5 mg. All three filaments are joined at certain point with style. Style is light yellow in colour. No flower waste, extraneous matter, mould and dead insect were recorded in ‘A’ grade Uttarakhand saffron. Some dirt/dust was seen which is due to manual flower harvesting. Flavour is slightly bitter and a little pungent. It contains moisture and volatile matter (6.44%) which is not more than 8%, a maximum limit of ISO. Colouring power E^1%_{1cmat 440nm} is 159. It contains total ash (5.49%), acid insoluble ash (0.63%), aqueous extract (58.64%) and total nitrogen (2.48%). Compositions of Uttarakhand Saffron indicate that environment of the region is suitable for production of good quality Saffron.

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