Tag: Natural pigment

Astaxanthin is a natural pigment found in microorganisms and marine animals. While known for its powerful antioxidant properties, it is also referred to by a number of other names depending on its origin, chemical structure, and commercial application.

Phycocyanin is a deep, vibrant blue pigment and antioxidant found primarily in certain types of photosynthetic organisms. While many people associate it with spirulina, this phycobiliprotein is also present in other fascinating microalgae and bacteria.

While curcumin, the active compound responsible for turmeric's brilliant yellow color, is prized for its health benefits, its notorious staining properties are a common nuisance. Removing curcumin from turmeric itself is a task of industrial-scale chemistry, not a simple at-home kitchen hack. This guide clarifies the difference between these two distinct objectives.

Raw beetroot generally contains between 0.03–0.06% betanin by weight, making it the most prominent pigment in the vegetable. This primary pigment gives beetroot its distinctive red-violet hue, but its role extends far beyond mere coloration, encompassing significant biological activity and industrial applications.

The brilliant blue-green color of spirulina is due to a combination of powerful pigments, but it is the vibrant blue hue that captivates many. This distinctive azure comes from a remarkable water-soluble protein complex called phycocyanin.

Sesame seeds are one of the oldest cultivated oilseed crops in the world, with a history spanning thousands of years. A common query is whether the rich, dark shade of black sesame seeds is their natural color, or if they are dyed. The compelling answer is that true black sesame seeds are, in fact, naturally black.

Carrots are renowned for their high beta-carotene content, with some varieties containing up to 60-80 milligrams per kilogram. This potent antioxidant is not only a precursor to Vitamin A but also a valuable natural pigment, making its extraction a fascinating scientific endeavor. Learning how to extract beta-carotene from carrots can be approached with simple kitchen science or more rigorous lab protocols.

According to numerous studies, marigold flowers (*Tagetes erecta*) are the most significant commercial source of lutein globally, with their extracts widely used in supplements and food products. In fact, the answer to the question "what flower is a source of lutein?" is predominantly centered on the vibrant petals of the African marigold.

According to the FDA, iron oxides have been approved for use as natural colorants in various foods, which stands in stark contrast to the synthetic origin of Red 40. This distinction reveals that, despite having similar shades of red, red iron oxide and Red 40 are not the same substance.