Carmine

E-Code : E120
Carmine or cochineal is a natural colorant derived from bodies or eggs of females of coccus cacti or dactylopius coccus costa insect. These insects live in a thorny cactus growing in barren areas in Mexico, Bolivia, Chile, Canary Islands and Peru. In order to get 1 kilo carmine, over one thousand insects turning to bright red color in their spawning periods are used. Carmine is acquired by combining the obtained carminic acid with calcium and aluminum ions. Carmine is dark red and highly-resistant to light and heat. This is the most oxidation-resistant colorant among natural colorants.

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