What is natural food coloring

Many foods we eat contain natural food pigments, most of which come from natural plants. Many colorful cakes and candies are made from natural food pigments. These cakes and candies are also liked by many of us. In fact, natural plant pigments are relatively safe to eat. Many people may not know what natural food coloring is. Let us take a look at the natural food coloring that we consume every day.

Natural colorants are food colorants obtained from natural sources. Pigments are mainly extracted from animal and plant tissues and microorganisms (culture), among which plant colorants account for the majority. Natural pigments not only have the function of coloring food, but also a considerable part of them have physiological activity. What are natural food pigments?

Natural pigments are generally derived from natural ingredients, such as beetroot, grapes and peppers, which are already

It has been recognized and accepted by the majority of consumers. Therefore, the use of natural pigments from these food sources is more popular with consumers and is safer to use. Most of them come from plant pigments.

Some products use natural pigments, so their appearance is less artificial and closer to nature, thus attracting more consumers. Today in the EU, natural pigments have not only taken over the market for synthetic pigments, but also taken over the market for some pigment extracts.

In the past, fruits and vegetables made up a large part of people's daily diet, a lifestyle characterized by abundant and healthy food. Later, people realized that many of the pigments that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors are actually very valuable nutrients.

Modern technology can also be used to develop more sophisticated products. There are many pigments in nature, some of which can be used as food pigments as well as important nutrients. Many of these pigments have shades between yellow, orange and red.

Anthocyanins are a class of natural pigments that are found in fruits and vegetables and are responsible for giving them red to blue hues. In industrial production, common sources of most pigments are grapes, elderberries, raspberries and red cabbage (Brassica oleracea). Anthocyanins not only serve as pigments, but also have many biological activities. Anthocyanins from different sources have different properties. Anthocyanins from grape skins can reduce the risk of heart disease, anthocyanins from elderberries have resistance to influenza viruses, and anthocyanins from raspberries have a good protective effect on vision.

Another major group of natural pigments with nutritional properties are the carotenoids. Carotenoids are widely distributed in nature and generally appear in yellow, orange and red colors. Most fruits and vegetables contain a mixture of carotenoids. The extracts obtained from these fruits and vegetables are an important source of essential nutrients for humans. 600 different carotenoids have been confirmed in nature.

Natural food coloring is extracted from natural plants, has no side effects and is very safe. We all have a good understanding and knowledge of what natural food coloring is. We can consume natural food coloring appropriately and with confidence. Its appearance adds infinite fun to our food life.