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Color plays a critical role in nature. Whether admiring the vivid rainbow against thunderclouds or studying the iridescence of a butterfly wing, the beauty and complexity of natural colors fascinate us.
Natural colorings are sourced from fruits, vegetables, seeds and minerals. These natural pigments offer food and beverage manufacturers a solution to meet increasing clean label demand without sacrificing product performance or shelf life.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a relative of ginger that grows in tropical regions. It is used as a spice and medicinal supplement. It is most commonly used to color beverages, but its pigment also offers heat stability and can be used in high temperature processed foods like extruded breakfast and baked foods as well as other products like drink mix, salad dressing, frostings and ice cream. It can also be used as a close match to Yellow #5.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, research shows curcumin improves the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease by decreasing joint tenderness and improving mobility. It is also shown to reduce oxidative stress in people with high cholesterol, which may be associated with heart disease.
Some animal studies suggest that turmeric may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease by increasing the levels of a brain hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. It has also been found to support liver function and improve the body’s ability to detoxify harmful toxins.
Brown Onion
Whether used raw in salads or sandwiches, sauteed with other vegetables, or baked into rich caramelized onions for soups and stews, brown onion provides bold flavor with a sweet and savory crunch. Its papery skin reveals colors that range from light tan to brown gold hues. Unlike white onion, which displays bright white layers and a pristine appearance, brown onion is heartier with thicker outer layers, and its skin may be slightly dry or flaky.
Like other types of onions, brown onion offers a number of health benefits including quercetin and allicin, which are known to reduce inflammation in the body. It is also a good source of calcium, iron, potassium and dietary fiber.
Dying with brown onion skins yields golden/yellow and orange to brown tones on animal-based fabrics like silk and wool, and less intense colors on plant-based ones such as cotton and linen. The exact colorway depends on the type of onion, dyestuffs, mordants and pH of the dye bath.
Coffee
Coffee is a brewed beverage made from the roasted seeds of the coffee plant. It is one of the most popular drinks in the world and has stimulating effects. The most well-known component of coffee is caffeine, a stimulant that can increase alertness and decrease fatigue. It is also a source of antioxidants, such as kahweol and cafestol, which have been shown to prevent cell damage and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
The color of roasted coffee is a classic brown color that people perceive as earthy and natural. It pairs well with white, gray and neutral colors and looks warm and cozy in any space. It is also a great color to use in a coffee shop, as it will help customers relax and feel comfortable. You can even use it to dye hair and fabric. To make a natural, inexpensive alternative to store-bought hair dyes, mix equal parts of coffee and conditioner, then rinse the mixture through your hair.
Mulberry
Mulberry dye has lent a regal air to countless works throughout history. It adorns ancient textiles and carries spiritual connotations in Asian art, while Renaissance artists used it to evoke opulence on velvet and silk. In modern design, this sultry hue crafts captivating visuals, kindling passion and elevating logos to high-end status.
It’s also useful for beauty, evening skin tone and reducing dark spots while protecting against fine lines and wrinkles. It is a rich source of Vitamins A and E and various carotenoid components that protect our hair, skin, tissue, and organs from oxidative damage. Additionally, it may aid in lowering blood sugar levels, thereby preventing diabetes. It is also known to activate macrophages, which improve our immune system. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce inflammatory responses and lower risk factors for heart disease.