Saffron Processing

Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu has developed a cottage scale post harvest processing method of saffron : mechanised systems for harvest, stigma separation, drying.

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.

Economy : 50 kg/day. 

Investment : Rs. 0.25 lakh. 

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

Raw materals : Saffron flowers. 

Processed saffron is used for food flavouring, traditional system of medicine, religious ceremonies.

Source: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research