Turmeric

Curcuma longa L, commonly known as turmeric, is a member of the ginger family. The root plant, native to India, is widely used by locals to spice and tint food and has gained popularity in the West in products such as curry powder. The primary pigment in turmeric is curcumin.

Turmeric is greenish yellow by nature and is typically used to color products such as beverages, ice cream and confectionery. Turmeric-based colors are very tolerant of heat and pH extremes.

Interestingly, in addition to its coloring properties, the pigment curcumin displays antioxidant characteristics.