Application of saffron over the years has been limited to the foodindustry, textile and pharmacological purposes. After removing the stigmas, the saffron flower is usually considered waste. Studies indicated the potential of saffron waste in cosmetic, fragrance and flavoring markets. As saffron petal is cheaper and produced in large amounts compared to saffron stigma, it can be considered an appropriate source for different purposes. Here are listed some.
1) Natural Flavor: Argento et al. (2010) investigated the composition of the hydro-alcoholic extract of saffrondried flowers. They identified 17 different flavonoids. As an example, significant overlapping in saffron flowers GC profile with commercial cocoa powder aroma and Honeylike flavor were observed.
2) Natural Color: Mortazavi et al. (2012) investigated the use of saffron petals in the coloring of wool fibers. They found that varied hues from light yellow to light brown were obtained from saffron petals and suggested that saffron petals can be a good natural colorant for dyeing. Natural edible colorant is not only environmental friendly but is also believed to have anticancer and antiviral effects as well as other healthbenefits.
3) Green Adsorbent: To enhance the profitability and sustainability of crop waste, a facile green method was introduced to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using saffron leaf extract as a stabilizing agent for wastewater treatment applications. More detailed information can be found in the reports of Rahaiee et al., 2020.
Saffron petals are considered agricultural wastes. Processing and using the huge amount of petals that are thrown away can open a new window for the saffron market.
What is your experience of using saffron petals? Did you ever consider it a golden waste 😉 or just away waste!?
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To buy Ravang saffron products, visit Ravang online store. Also, to buy bulk saffron, contact Rawang saffron sales and trading department.
