May 27th, 2024
Team LTG
Ever wondered where vibrant red dyes come from? Meet the cochineal insect, a tiny creature with a big impact on color!
They're small-scale insects that feed on cactus plants. Native to the Americas, but now cultivated worldwide.
Cochineal insects produce carminic acid, a red pigment that makes carmine dye. It's found in many products!
Carmine is a natural alternative to artificial red dyes, but it can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Found in food (like yogurt and candy), cosmetics (lipstick, blush), and even some textiles.
Insects are harvested, dried, and crushed to extract the carminic acid, which is then processed into dye.
Cochineal was used by Aztec and Mayan cultures for dyes and paints long before modern uses.
Some people have concerns about using insects in food, while others prefer natural dyes over artificial ones.
Whether you're a fan or not, the cochineal insect's legacy is undeniable.