Preliminary investigation into the geographical origin differentiation of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) by multi-element (HCN) stable isotope analysis

A simple solvent extraction was performed to remove the majority of the lipid in saffron and eliminate any variability in isotopic composition due to variable lipid content. The global hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen (HCN) stable isotope composition of the defatted dry mass fraction was measured by elemental analyses and high temperature conversion coupled to an Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer. The objective of this study was to differentiate the geographical origin of saffron coming from different countries (Greece, Italy, Iran and Spain) by measuring the stable isotopic composition of the bio-elements hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen. Also a chemical characterization of 28 saffron samples was carried out by UV-Vis, HPLC and GC analysis.