ΣΗΜΕΙΩΣΕΙΣ
Field notes
How to check what you are sold. Each note takes one product with a known fake, gives the test, and says plainly how far to trust it.
All notes
7 notes
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FN-07
How to use saffron threads: steep, measure, store
How to use saffron threads: soak them in water, measure by the recipe, store them dry, dark and cool. Sourced from the Kozani cooperative and studies.
Test Kitchen method and storage, not a test
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FN-01
The saffron water test
A glass of warm water catches crude dyed fake saffron. It cannot prove purity or origin. What the EU's 2021 check found, and what to check instead.
Test Kitchen screening test
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FN-02
The amber float test, and why not mastiha
Salt water separates amber from glass and most plastics, but copal floats too. For Chios mastiha no float test works, so check the protected name instead.
Test Density screen, collectors' practice
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FN-03
The Kalamata naming trap
Kalamata is a place, two EU protected names, and since 2016 a variety synonym usable anywhere. How to read a Kalamata olive oil or olive label.
Test Label reading against the EU register
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FN-04
Honey and sugar syrup: what the EU found
46% of honey consignments sampled at EU borders were suspected of added syrup. Why home tests fail, and the four things a honey buyer can check instead.
Test Laboratory analysis only
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FN-05
Oregano and olive leaves
Oregano was the most adulterated herb in the EU's 2021 check: 48% of samples suspect, most cut with olive leaf. Why PINAX does not sell oregano yet.
Test Visual screen, whole leaves only
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FN-06
Silver without hallmarks
On Greek silver a 925 stamp is the maker's own claim. What each check proves, from a magnet to fire assay, and why our silver ships with a certificate.
Test Certificate check: assay or XRF
If we cannot prove it, we do not sell it.
Every product page carries its own origin record, with the register link and the test from these notes.