Seventy-six samples of saffron were analysed through inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and stable isotope ratio analysis. The dataset was formed by 67 samples harvested in different areas of Italy, Morocco and Iran, and nine samples purchased in the Italian market. For the first time, 42 elements and five stable isotopes (δ13 C, δ15 N, δ34 S, δ2 H and δ18 O) were considered to carry out the discrimination of the samples on the basis of their geographical origin. Combined ICP-MS and isotopic composition data turned out to be a useful tool for the geographical discrimination of saffron among predefined cultivation sites. K, Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cs, Nd, Eu, Pb, δ13 C, δ15 N, δ34 S and δ2 H were identified as the significant variables in geographical discrimination. Moreover, the class models generated for saffron cultivated in two specific areas of Central Italy exhibited 100% specificity for Moroccan, Iranian and commercial samples and a high specificity (83% and 84%) for the saffron samples cultivated in other, although close, Italian sites.
Keywords: authentication; class-modelling; geographical classification; inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; isotopes; saffron.
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