evaluation of the challenges and problems of saffron packaging

saffron is a strategic exporting crop in our country and iran is known as the greatest producer and exporter of it in the world. deficient packaging systems can be the most common reasons of the decline in the iran's share in exporting saffron. appling the modern methods of packaging such as hurdle technology can greatly maintain the quality of saffron. despite developments in saffron packaging and other fields, problems such as poor packaging systems and low hygiene and quality standards, iran couldn't find it's original place in the world as the manufacturer of this product with high added value yet. therefore, it is necessary to implement strategies and action plans, such as the production of new and diverse products, using novel technologies in packaging and improvements in hygiene and quality standards to maintain the position of iranian saffron in the world while improving its production efficiency. in this study, in addition to a general overview on saffron and its properties, the main problems in saffron exporting packaging and novel technologies in preserving saffron such as modified atmosphere packaging, nanotechnology and irradiation has been described.