GREEK PDO SAFFRON AUTHENTICATION STUDIES USING SPECIES SPECIFIC MOLECULAR MARKERS

摘要

Saffron, the spice produced from the red stigmas of the flower of Crocus sativus L. is a frequent target of fraud and mislabeling practices that cannot be fully traced using the ISO 3632 trade standard specifications and test methods. A molecular approach is proposed herein as an alternative, promising branding strategy for the authentication of highly esteemed saffron brands like the Greek Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) "Krokos Kozanis".