From: Natural Heath Dossier, May 24, 2011

From: Natural Health Dossier.

World's Most Seductive Spice Cuts Depression by 25% Tuesday May 24, 2011

"Take care to know what kind of saffron you're taking. Pure saffron contains only the dried stigmas of the crocus flower. The highest-grade version of the spice is red and has a distinct aroma. Yellow saffron works, but it's not as potent."

Dear Sir: (May 24,2011. Natural Health Dossier)
On Saffron:
The yellow part has no culinary value and does not have any saffron. It is left in Spanish saffron to add weight and when it is left on it also traps "moisture" which again adds weight and shortens the shelf life and quality of the saffron. The trapped moisture eventually "spoils" the saffron given it the musty smell instead of the clean aroma of all RED Persian/Afghanistan,Iranian saffron. Be advised to buy only Persian/Afghanistan, Iranian origin saffron. We took four Spanish samples to the laboratory for HPLC and they all came back positive with artificial added colors. There is a big scandal of adulterated saffron going on in Spain which the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture refuses to address by implying that is a "mix" of lower grade Iranian and Spanish. Our lab reports indicate that is OUTRIGHT adulteration and their own figures prove it. The Ministry claims that in 2010 Spain exported 190,000 kg at $64,000,00 that is $336.00 dollars per kilo. How can this be so when in 2010 saffron in Spain sold for over $3500 a kg and in Iran at $2,550 kg? it is adulteration and nothing more. Spanish saffron industry is unregulated and Spanish exporters do NOT have to submit samples for examination that is why the world is inundated with their artificial colored saffron. For farther reading go to www.saffron.com and read "The Consumer Guide to Saffron Purchasing". Also read the "Spanish Saffron Scandal" The Telegraph, May 11, 2011. When you purchase saffron always ask for a laboratory report from the country in which you made the purchase. Do not accept Spanish lab reports they are all "cooked". Our SARGOL saffron hits at least 242 units of color and all your purchases are also carry an HPLC report.
If you have any technical questions drop us a line at saffron@saffron.com
Sincerely,
Juan J. San Mames, President Vanilla, Saffron Imports.
FDA-18696698378