Figure 3.

Comparison between same amounts of true saffron stigmas (Azafrán de La Mancha DO, Spain) and adulterated stigmas (Sample AD.02.JM) after just 3 min in cold water. It is clearly visible that, at the same time, adulterated saffron (dark yellow) releases color faster than true saffron (pale yellow). On the right, a detail of the adulterated stigmas from Sample AD.02.JM. There are clearly visible stigmas with different colors: red, pale orange, likely brown stigmas still decoloring and pale brown. The adulteration probably corresponds to the mixture and staining of two or more very old saffron stigmas with some fresh stigma lots.