Kids Love These
"I own a Hands on History Experience called Treasure Chest. We teach about 18th Century Crafts and the dyes that were used during this time period. Our school groups love our cochineal demonstrations!"
What Customers Say
Rated 4.8 out of 5 — 6 verified reviews
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.
Overall rating: 4.8333335 / 5 from 6 reviews.
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Reviews
Cochineal Bugs
"I bought the “Bugs” to be used at the Virginia Renaissance Faire to be used to show how they were used at the time to dye the color red. But because of the 2 year cancellation for the pandemic I only had 1 week notice to prepare and they didn’t arrive in time. But I will be adding them to next year’s Faire! And everyone is invited. It starts on Mother’s Day and runs for 5 weekends. The children are fascinated to see the weaving exhibit."
as usual the service and
"as usual the service and quality is great."
Dye
"Very pleased with the quick mailing of my order. The Cochineal is perfect for showing elementary age school children what is used to make red dye. Can't wait to try a dye bath with it."
Decent red from cochineal.
"Made a decent red on wool. I do historical re-enactment so authenticity is important to me."
Great product! Fast delivery
"Great product! Fast delivery"
