Cochineal is a natural dye derived from the dried bodies of Dactylopius coccus, a scale insect that feeds on prickly pear cacti. It produces vibrant shades ranging from bright red to magenta and is used to dye wool, silk, and cellulose fibers.
Cochineal bugs are found across the American Southwest and Southeast including Arizona, New Mexico, California, Colorado, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina, where they live on cacti, particularly prickly pear. Carminic acid, which makes up 17–24% of the dry insect's weight, is the source of the dye and can be extracted from both the body and eggs. A small amount of cream of tartar is typically used as a mordant assistant to extract the dye from the dried insects.
Used by the Aztecs as early as the 10th century, Cochineal dye was the second only to silver in terms of Spanish exports from the New World. The Spanish monopoly lasted almost 300 years and ended in 1777 when a sample of both the Cochineal insect and the cactus were smuggled out of present day Mexico.
Not intended for human/animal consumption.
Description
- Function: Dye
- Application: Cellulose, Silk, Wool
- Color: Bright Red to Magenta
- Form: Dried Bug
- Typical Use Rate: 3-8% Weight of Fiber
- Source: Dactylopius coccus
- Package Weight: 1 oz.
