Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a highly valued plant primarily cultivated for its stigmas, widely used for their coloring, flavoring, and aromatic properties. However, significant quantities of saffron wastes, such as petals and corms, are discarded, despite their potential for alternative applications. This study aims to evaluate the protein content and molecular weight of proteins in saffron waste, specifically petals and corms, collected from Sarayan city in South Khorasan province. The Kjeldahl method was employed to determine protein content, revealing that petals contain 8% protein and corms 3.8%. Additionally, SDS-PAGE analysis identified proteins in the petal precipitate with approximate molecular weights of 10, 25, and 72 kDa. No soluble protein was detected in the supernatant, and only faint bands were observed in corm samples. The findings suggest that saffron petals, due to their relatively high protein content, could serve as a potential protein supplement in livestock and poultry diets. Furthermore, this research highlights the need for further investigation into protein extraction methods from saffron petals for potential biotechnological applications, aiming to create added value from saffron waste.

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