Title: Saffron
Additional Names: Crocus; Spanish saffron; French saffron
Literature References: Stigmas of Crocus sativus L., Iridaceae. Habit. Western Asia, Southern Europe. Constit. About 1% volatile oil, picrocrocin¾a bitter glucoside, crocin (polychroit), fixed oil, wax.
Properties: Flattish-tubular, almost thread-like stigmas ~1.25 inches (3 cm) long; orange-brown color; strong, peculiar, aromatic odor; bitterish, aromatic taste.
Use: Coloring and flavoring.