Saffron Processing

Product/Process :

Cottage scale post harvest processing of saffron: mechanised systems for harvest, stigma separation, drying.

Application/Use:

Food flavouring, traditional system of medicine, religious ceremonies

Salient Features of Process/Technology :

The saffron flowers are harvested using a mechanical device. The cut flowers are passed through an air classifier to separate Lachha, stamen and the petals. The stigma component of the Lachha is the actual saffron, which is, separated from the style mechanically (cap. 5 kg/hr) and dried, in a solar drier to a final moisture content of 8%. The dry material is packaged in consumer packs.

Status of Commercialisation :

Demonstrated at various field operation levels.

Minimum Economic Unit Size:

50 kg/day yard.

Indicative investment:

Rs. 0.25 lakh

Raw Materials :

Saffron flowers.

Equipment and Machinery:

Flower harvester, air classifier, mechanised separator for stigma and style (as per CSIR designs).

For further information please contact :

Central Food Technological Research Institute,
Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu.