What are the Plant Extracts as Natural Pigments?

Plant extracts are a rich source of natural pigments, offering a wide spectrum of colors for various applications. These pigments are complex organic compounds produced by plants for essential functions like photosynthesis, attracting pollinators, and protecting against UV radiation.

Here’s a breakdown of common plant extracts used as natural pigments, categorized by the color they produce and often by the primary pigment they contain:

Reds and Pinks Pigments

This category is one of the most widely used, particularly in beverages, candy, dairy products, and meat substitutes.

1.Beet Red

Source: The roots of red beets.

Features: Bright red to purple-red color with good water solubility. However, it is sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen, and will fade with prolonged high-temperature heating. It is best used in foods that require low temperatures or short heating times, such as cold drinks, ice cream, and yogurt.

2.Anthocyanins:

Source: This is a large class of pigments found in many dark-colored plants. Such as: Purple sweet potatoes, Purple carrots, Black bean Hull, Black rice,Elderberries, blueberries, Grape, Cranberry,Black currant and Roselle/Hibiscus

Features: The color of anthocyanin changes with pH value (acidic to red, neutral to purple, alkaline to blue), and has good antioxidant properties.

3.Lycopene:

Sources: Tomatoes, watermelon, guava, etc.

Features: A carotenoid, it is an oil-soluble pigment that appears red. It has strong antioxidant properties and is relatively stable.

Yellow/Orange Pigments

This type of pigment is typically from the carotenoid family and is relatively stable.

1.Curcumin

Source: Turmeric rhizome.

Features: Bright yellow, the primary source of curry yellow. Poor water and oil solubility, but can be processed into soluble forms. It has a unique, spicy flavor and strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

2.β-Carotene

Source: Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, palm fruit, etc.

Features: Oil-soluble pigment with an orange-yellow color. It is also a pro-vitamin A and has nutritional value. It is very stable and has a wide range of applications.

3.Gardenia Yellow

Source: Gardenia fruit.

Features: Good water solubility, strong tinting power, and good heat and light resistance. Gardenia fruit can also produce blue and red pigments under different conditions, making it very practical.

4.Annatto

Source: Annatto seeds.

Features: Hues range from yellow to orange. It is available in both oil-soluble and water-soluble forms, has excellent heat resistance, and is often used to color cheese, butter, and baked goods.

Green Pigments

1.Chlorophyll/Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin

Source: All green plants, including spinach, cabbage, nettle, and mulberry leaves.

Features: Natural chlorophyll is unstable to light and heat, easily fading to an olive-brown color. Therefore, it is often stabilized into sodium copper chlorophyllin. This derivative is brightly colored and stable, making it a commonly used natural green pigment.

2.Spirulina Powder/Extract

Source: Spirulina (a type of cyanobacteria, often considered a plant source despite being an algae).

Features: Rich in phycocyanin (blue) and chlorophyll (green), resulting in a blue-green hue. It is also a superfood, high in protein.

Blue Pigments

Natural blue pigments are relatively rare, so the following are the main options.

1.Gardenia Blue Pigment

Source: Produced from gardenia fruit through enzymatic conversion.

Features: A water-soluble blue pigment, it is a good alternative to synthetic brilliant blue. Often combined with gardenia yellow pigment to create a green color.

2.Phycocyanin

Source: Spirulina.

Features: Brilliant blue, highly water-soluble, but sensitive to heat and pH (may precipitate and discolor in acidic conditions). Commonly used in ice cream, candies, and beverages.

3.Anthocyanins (under alkaline conditions)

Source: For example, butterfly pea flowers.

Features: The anthocyanins in butterfly pea flowers produce a beautiful blue color in neutral or slightly alkaline environments. However, their color is significantly affected by pH, limiting their application.

Brown/black pigments

Cocoa Shell Color

Source: Extracted and processed from cocoa bean shells.

Features: Brown, stable, heat- and light-resistant. Commonly used in beverages, soy sauce, and pastries.

Plant extracts offer a sustainable, natural, and often health-beneficial alternative to synthetic colorants, making them increasingly popular in various industries.

Kingherbs provides a large amount of Natural Pigments to customers all over the world every year. Our products can meet the different needs of customers.Contact us at info@kingherbs.com to know more about our products and their uses.