Carmine, a natural red dye or cochineal extract, is derived from the crushed bodies of the cochineal bug, which is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. This pigment is used in many foods and products, including Starbucks’ strawberry frappuccino. Other synthetic red dyes like Red No. 2 and Red No. 40, which carry greater health risks, are derived from coal or petroleum byproducts. In Mala, on the Spanish Canary Island of Lanzarote, a farmer collects cochineal insects for use in making crimson dye.
The deep red color, known as carmine, is derived from an acid that the oval-shaped insect produces. Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is not derived from bugs but is made from cochineal insects. The red food colorants cochineal and carmine are primarily produced by the cochineal bug, Dactylopius coccus, native to tropical and subtropical areas in the Americas.
Carminic acid, which makes up almost a quarter of the bugs’ weight, deters predation by other insects. Researchers are moving to engineer carminic acid in microbes. The color, long associated with power, wealth, seduction, and violence, comes from the American cochineal bug.
Carminic acid is extracted from female cochineal insects and treated to produce carmine, which can yield shades of red such as crimson and scarlet. It is traditionally “farmed” from an insect but researchers are now working to engineer it in microbes.
In conclusion, carmine, a rich red or purplish-red pigment, has a unique origin tracing back to the bodies of cochineal insects native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| The Truth About Red Food Dye Made from Bugs | Cochineal may be made from bugs, but other synthetic red dyes such as Red No. 2 and Red No. 40, which carry far greater health risks, are derived from either … | livescience.com |
| Cochineal, a red dye from bugs, moves to the lab | Carminic acid is a bright, natural coloring used in some cosmetics and foods. It’s traditionally sourced from ‘farming’ an insect on acres … | knowablemagazine.org |
| Why you may have been eating insects your whole life | The red colour comes from carminic acid, which makes up almost a quarter of the bugs’ weight, and deters predation by other insects. Ms Butler … | bbc.com |
📹 Cochineal Bugs Create Red Dye: A Moment in Science
Award-winning Museum educator Bob Alderink reveals the secret ingredient that gives your strawberry yogurt (and many other …
What Is Red Dye 40 Made Of?
Red Dye 40, known as Allura Red AC or E129, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum. Although health organizations generally consider it low risk, concerns exist regarding its potential to cause allergic reactions and exacerbate behavioral issues in children with ADHD. Developed in 1971 by the Allied Chemical Corporation, Red 40 is commonly used in food and beverages and is formulated as its red sodium salt. The production process starts with p-cresidine, an aromatic compound obtained from petroleum, serving as a crucial precursor to the dye.
Despite its extensive use, some studies implicate Red Dye 40 in various health problems, including migraines and behavioral changes. Additionally, it is metabolized by the gut microbiome into other compounds, raising further queries about its long-term effects. While the FDA and the European Union have approved Red 40 for use, the debate continues over the safety of synthetic dyes compared to natural alternatives. Red 40 remains prevalent in numerous consumer products, including food items and cosmetics, raising questions about its health implications.
The dye’s origins in petroleum and coal tar, along with mixed consumer sentiments, highlight the importance of understanding the full scope of synthetic dyes like Red 40. Future research is warranted to explore its metabolic byproducts and their effects, especially concerning ADHD symptoms and overall health tolerance in different populations.
What Does Red 40 Do To Your Body?
We propose that Red 40, a synthetic dye derived from petroleum, triggers a low-grade inflammatory response in the colon and rectum, potentially contributing to colorectal cancer (CRC), especially in these regions. Although approved by the FDA for consumption, studies suggest artificial dyes like Red 40 may lead to hyperactivity and attention disorders, notably ADHD in children. The FDA maintains that synthetic food colorings are generally safe, yet some research indicates that Red 40 could interfere with normal nervous system function, likening its presence to an uninvited guest. Common foods, including dairy, baked goods, and candies, often contain Red 40, also known as Allura Red. This synthetic dye is man-made and not found naturally.
Evidence suggests that Red 40 exacerbates ADHD symptoms and may cause DNA damage both in vitro and in vivo. In studies involving a high-fat diet, Red 40 consumption has been associated with dysbiosis in mice and inflammation in the distal colon and rectum. It may disrupt key processes related to early-onset colorectal cancer development and is suspected of causing various adverse effects, including allergies, migraines, and mental health issues such as irritability and depression.
While there is no definitive proof linking Red 40 to hyperactivity, emerging research points towards its potential to disrupt neurotransmitter regulation in the brain. Overall, the use of Red 40 raises concerns about its health implications, as its adverse effects, such as hyperactivity and physical reactions, undermine its acceptance as a safe additive in foods.
Which Red Color Is Made From Bugs?
Dactylopius coccus, known as the cochineal bug, is a source of carminic acid, which constitutes 17–24% of the dried insects' weight. Carminic acid can be extracted from both the body and eggs of the cochineal to produce carmine dye, also referred to as cochineal extract or Natural Red 4 (E120). This natural dye is primarily used as a colorant in food and cosmetics, such as lipstick. Despite being derived from insects, carmine is considered a safer alternative to synthetic red dyes like Red No.
2 and Red No. 40, which are made from coal or petroleum byproducts and carry higher health risks. Cochineal bugs are mainly harvested in Peru and the Canary Islands, thriving on prickly pear cactuses. To produce just one pound of dye, approximately 70, 000 female cochineal bugs are required. When mature, these insects develop a white cottony covering for camouflage. While the use of carmine has been widespread, some companies, like Starbucks, have recently stopped using it in products like their strawberry frappuccino.
Although carmine is commonly associated with food coloring, researchers are exploring ways to engineer carminic acid using microbes as an alternative production method. Overall, carmine has been utilized for centuries by various cultures for its vibrant red hue, making it a historically significant and commercially valuable coloring agent.
Do Skittles Use Cochineal?
Skittles used to contain carmine (E120), a red food dye derived from cochineal insects, making them unsuitable for vegans. Although gelatin was removed over a decade ago, carmine was only eliminated from their ingredients around 2015, which means older bags may still contain it. Carmine, harvested from cochineal scale insects, was used to color the red Skittles. Until 2015, UK-produced Skittles included this animal-derived ingredient.
However, Skittles have since transitioned to being vegan-friendly, as they no longer include any animal-derived components. The change means that plant-based fans can enjoy Skittles without concern for animal byproducts, and the candy's vibrant colors are now achieved without cochineal or other insect products.
What Bug Is In Twizzlers?
Cochineal insects have long been a natural source of red dye, coloring various foods and candies. These small, oval-shaped insects, particularly the female, are crushed to produce carminic acid, a common red food dye used in products like cherry and strawberry candies. Around 100, 000 cochineals can yield just over a pound of dye, highlighting their significant role in food coloring.
An example of a candy that may use this natural dye is Twizzlers, a popular licorice-style treat produced by Y and S Candies, Inc., a division of The Hershey Company. Twizzlers, introduced in 1929, originally had a molasses base, but today’s recipe primarily consists of corn syrup, sugar, wheat flour, and various artificial flavorings and colorings. The transformation in their recipe has shifted toward utilizing modified food starch and sweeteners for texture and taste.
The original Twizzlers, with their unique twisted shape, reflect a long history of confectionery production dating back to 1845. This history emphasizes the evolution of candy-making techniques alongside the integration of natural and artificial ingredients. Despite the advancements, the vibrant red color adds to the allure of these treats, connecting modern consumers to traditional practices of using cochineal insects for food dye. Whether you prefer the red flavor in your candy or not, these insects play a crucial role in the colorful world of sweets.
Does Red 40 Come From Bugs?
Cochineal dye, derived from crushed female cochineal bugs, is often misunderstood, especially in comparison to synthetic red dyes like Red No. 2 and Red No. 40, which are associated with higher health risks and stem from coal or petroleum byproducts. While Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is commonly used in food products, it does not originate from bugs but rather from coal derivatives. Interestingly, a study found that people consume around 140, 000 "bug bits" annually, highlighting the prevalence of insects in our diets. Carmine, identified as E120 or natural red 4, is indeed made from cochineal insects and is generally safe for most consumers but can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
Cochineal insects, small scale insects that thrive on prickly pear plants, are the source of carminic acid, which is essential for producing vibrant red shades used in food and cosmetics. While many may find the idea of consuming bugs unappetizing, considering the health risks of synthetic dyes makes cochineal appear more appealing. Researchers are even exploring microbially engineered methods to produce carminic acid, moving away from traditional farming.
The distinction between carmine and synthetic dyes is crucial, as misconceptions frequently arise around their origins. Ultimately, cochineal presents a natural coloring option in contrast to more industrial routes taken by synthetic alternatives like Red 40.
Which Brands Use Cochineal?
E120, also known as cochineal or carmine, is a vibrant red food colorant derived from crushed cochineal insects, native to Latin America. Although its origins may seem unappealing, this FDA-approved additive is widely used across various food products, including snacks from brands like Arnott's, which offers Tim Tams, and other items like Macaroni cheese and yogurt. Despite the rise of vegan and natural product demands, companies like Dannon, General Mills, and Coca-Cola continue to use carmine in their offerings, including yogurts and fruit-flavored cereals.
The use of cochineal dates back to pre-Columbian cultures, such as the Maya and Aztecs, who employed it in textiles and food. However, its presence in modern products has sparked vegan controversies, notably when Starbucks faced backlash for using carmine in its Strawberries and Crème Frappuccino. In 2012, they announced a shift to alternative colorants following consumer feedback.
Carmine is commonly labeled under various names like carminic acid or Natural Red 4 and can be found in numerous items, from sausages to cosmetics, with major brands like L'Oréal and Chanel incorporating it. As of 2024, it remains prevalent in many food and beauty products, including classic treats like Cherry Bakewells and M&M's, showcasing the ongoing reliance on this natural coloring despite health concerns over synthetic dyes. The continued use of carmine reflects a balancing act between natural ingredients and consumer preferences.
Is Cochineal In Ketchup?
Cochineal dye, derived from grinding cochineal insects that inhabit cactus plants, is commonly used in various food and beverage products. This natural red dye is prevalent in items such as frozen meat and fish, powdered drinks, yogurt, ice cream, candies, canned fruits, soups, and ketchup. Notably, certain red-colored products like ketchup and Starbucks frappuccinos may contain this dye, offering an unexpected source of protein. While cochineal is safe compared to synthetic dyes, its use can raise allergy concerns, prompting food manufacturers to opt for alternatives or indicate colorings like red 40, which is vegan.
The cochineal insects, primarily farmed in Peru, are often referenced in ingredient lists as cochineal extract, carmine, or natural red 4, highlighting their role as a natural colorant in food production.
📹 Why Tiny Cactus Bugs In Red Food Dye Are A $35 Billion Industry Big Business Insider Business
Cochineals are tiny bugs that live on prickly pear cactuses. The acid in their guts makes a red dye used in textiles, cosmetics, and …
I’m a big history buff, and learning just how useful and important culturally this practice really is to the Mexican people, really makes me appreciate and admire how hard these women and farmers go out of their way to keep this time honored tradition alive and still a staple in modern times. Really hope these aren’t forgotten cause that will be another tragedy we shouldn’t allow to happen.
The Spanish imported these dried cochineal scale insects just after the conquest. They made a fortune from these mysterious ‘seeds’ as their competitors called them. Before they were discovered there were few options to permanently dye fabric red. Kermes, another insect in Europe was one and very weak in comparison. The English had madder root but it was very difficult to use and impermanent. This new red was amazing and very costly for many decades. Everyone thought it was a seed from the new world. In transit across the ocean, the legs of the insects falls off of it and it does look like a strange seed. It wasn’t until the microscope was invented that the secret was discovered. Secret Agents were dispatched to the new world from various countries in order to find the insect and bring them back to breed in Europe. It never really worked. Now Mexico, the land that brought us chocolate AND vanilla has lost the industry to Peru. Spain made more money from the cochineal than gold in all those years, it is said. A good book to read on this subject is, “The color red.”
I think this is amazing, and I would prefer this natural dye over synthetics. Also have any scientists done tests to see how Carmine could be used as a natural insect repellent to keep ants and other harmful insects out of yards or even limit the spread of invasive army ants. There could be a lot of potential there and if it works then the Cochineal farmers could get a second wind.
I’m a retired Chemistry teacher. When I first took over the Woodstock Academy high school lab from a rertiring teacher in 1970, I found a very old paper container marked “Cochineal Natural” in the chemical storage area. It contained about 200 mls of the dried bugs. At the time, it took some real research to find out what they were.
Fun fact – similar (but slightly less efficient to farm) insect was farmed in Central Europe in middle ages and was the reason for red color in Polish flag, for the word for red “czerwony” from worm “czerw” and also for the name of the month june (czerwiec) when these bugs were gathered. They were hugely important until the import from Mexico disrupted that industry in Europe.
I sincerely hope this practice doesn’t become outlawed. It’s fine to eat frogs and insects, but not to make dye from these little bugs. I’m sure the same animal rights activists don’t realise that yeast for example is a living organism, used and discarded when finished with. The one thing I do like though is that the bugs who have been crushed have become immortalised depending on what the dye is used for.
This bug was also farmed by Poles since ancient times till the 16th century when imports by Colonial powers put the industry in Poland out of business. The Polish Carmine feeds on woody flowers instead of cactuses. It’s why red is such an important color to national identity, is on the flag and in a lot of folk outfits. This was fascinating to watch – I appreciate this source of dye, it is far less toxic than red dye 40, and creates a beautiful red color!
Okay, so my wife is a vegan, and I try to be conscious of the meat I get, and I vehemently oppose animal testing. (I only get meat through ethical, free-range farms such as some local Halal farms that treat their animals well or hunting and/or fishing it myself) But these are literally insects. They’re not endangered, and the only thing they really harm are cactuses. I see no problem farming them, this is just kind of stupid.
This is amazing from an environmental and resource perspective. These can be grown on a plant that takes almost no water or fertilizer to produce. They can be organically grown, they can be scaled up, and the remaining waste can be composted. This combined with raising other insects as protein sources for human food is pretty awesome.
I always knew red dye came from bugs, but not a specific bug. This was interesting to watch. Also, when I was younger I used to separate M&Ms into individual containers according to color. I noticed that the red M&Ms were always the smallest amount. That’s what caught my interest into why red M&Ms weren’t as many as the other colors. That’s when I found about the red food dye.
I got to grind cochineal and other traditional sources of colors (saffron, chalk, and malachite) and mix them with gum Arabic and then help my students illuminate texts they wrote and decorated themselves. It was awesome!! Shout out to The Morgan Museum and Library for the opportunity. And thank you to the women in Mexico keeping this beautiful tradition alive.
Dammit, this one made me feel pretty bad. I mean I always feel bad for the people who have to work these grueling jobs, especially because they get paid like crap in comparison to the brands that sell their product. It’s probably because I’m also Mexican so it hits a little close to home, buts it’s just sad hearing about their love for the insect as the business is dying down.
I remember when one of my friend’s found out that all her makeup had “bugs” in it. It was because of this. She began protesting the use of these because it’s “inhumane” and “cruel”. Looking online there are a lot of vegans and such who think the same. But really, it’s honestly so sad how people living in a high society (the ones purchasing $50 makeup products purely for cosmetic value) will get so worked up over BUGS. So what? There are ten thousand other problems in the world and killing bugs for a red dye is supposedly an issue? Disappointing. I wish the best of luck to all these families putting in so much important work.
As a vegetarian, I fully support the use of this dye, instead of fossil-fuel synthetics. It’s natural, and the use of these bugs (who are either dead already when they harvest them, or close to death, as their lifespans are typically 2 months) does not conflict at all with being a vegetarian from my perspective.
This is really interesting, because as a houseplant collector, I’m always worried about finding these particular bugs on my plants since they are very common pests. It’s cool to see them being used in this way, and very interesting that to some people these bugs are treasured, while my community absolutely hates them lol
I grew up riding my bike in a cactus ranch here in California. The company that farmed the cactus raised mostly for the prickly pears and the edible pads (nopales). Seeing this documentary about the cochineal really put a different perspective because unlike their goal of raising the bugs, we were busy trying to figure out how to defeat them. In the end I feel so sad. In 2019 the company here in California completely dismantled the cactus farm due to rising costs of production. It looks like in Mexico it’s about the same but different circumstances. Makes me sad.
as an artist, textiles & fibre arts enthusiast and make-up lover, it is heartbreaking to see one if the most brilliant naturally created colours go this way. They are animals, sure, but they don’t have a brain or central nervous system so don’t even feel pain. Vegans need to leave well enough alone and let people continue as their ancestors did, farming and harvesting and using this precious dye that looks so red like it’s the heart of all the world’s colours… don’t let this bleed out and be gone forever! It is far too precious!!
Animal rights and human rights need to be balanced. I agree with controlling production so that it doesn’t become abusive. But banning it all together does not make sense to me when livelihood and poverty of a more sentient being are at stake. Life and death are part of the ecosystem. The solution is balance, not the extreme of either end of the spectrum.
This is wonderful! Nopal is awesome food. The cochinea provides dye and money for those people. If you don’t like it, don’t buy the dye or never wear red color clothes. Mind your own business and let people live. All these issues with animal rights are valid, but support what you will and let others do as they please.
Wow. I remember seeing dusty looking white spots on prickly pear cacti in Texas. I had no idea what they were. And no idea that I ate and wore their guts. That Burts Bees lip balm that they showed was my favorite for years. I hope at least some of these farmers can keep their farms with their bunny cactus and little white bugs.
Bless this lady’s heart first of all. What a sweet woman. It amazes me that Bill Gates plans on feeding all of us bugs. But they’re not supposed to make red dye how does these little insects because all the cry babies want to cry that we’re hurting some animal it’s an insect I am an animal lover you can tell by the picture of my 20-year-old dog in the picture I love animals but I also love the color red
Nopal cactus, also known as the prickly pear cactus, is found natively in the southwestern regions of the United States and in Mexico. The flat cactus pads can be eaten when the plant is young. When the cactus is older, it’s too tough to eat. Nopal cactus is a common ingredient in foods in some regions of Mexico. There are several ways to use nopal cactus, including in jellies and candies and as an aid to help harden plaster. There are also a number of medicinal uses, thanks to this cactus’s varied health benefits.
I’ve bought dried ones and used them to make wood stain. I stained a pale wooden desk I made with it and after many years it hadn’t faded. Remarkable stuff. I understand that there’s a European insect with much smaller amounts of carminic acid, and an Armenian one. Mexican cochineal became cheaper and despite those insects not being used for centuries, the species are endangered.
I was looking up the Chinese New Year for 2023 (year of the Rabbit/Bunny) and got this article I personally 100% admire this woman for keeping a part of this culture. Vegan food aside I hope this culture is not lost and hopefully the industry flourishes! In my mind I was thinking if she was going to remove the entire cactus 🌵 field crop she would donate them to the region so others can try and emulate her small farming ideas (those who want to try it) and this way keep the culture alive. Looks like she was already ahead of me 😂 It’s like farming chickens for eggs or like my best buddies parents did with sheep and horses (wool and manure). Their farm was almost perfect imo with even turkeys during the end of the year etc. They hunted for deer and lived off the land. I really appreciate that style of living in conjunction with the modern things in life. I really wish we would split this kind of thinking going forward. No matter where you lived. And do it on a larger scale not just tiny rural areas .
They care about life yet demand an extremely harmful artificial red dye be used over an all natural one. Theyre not facing any cruelty, their lifespan is around 70-90 days so when theyre processed most have already naturally expired.These serve a great purpose, are very well taken care of and loved. In fact this enhances their quality of life, endless water, food, shelter, and reproduction.
People need to understand there’s a line between cultural value and environmental protection. We can absolutely have both so long the people that maintain this ancient traditions respect the animals that are involved. Sra. Catalina clearly respects cochineals and protects them. If these traditions die, it makes people forget the value of these little animals.
I’ve always heard and seen on candy box labels that they had cochineals as an ingredient, but I had no idea what they looked like or how they grew and were farmed. I always thought it was kinda gross and would’ve rather chosen products without it than with it, but after perusal this article I’d definitely do the opposite. I don’t eat meat but these are literal cactus parasites lol. It’s so beautiful that these women keep their ancient tradition alive, one which has had its importance around the world over the centuries, and it’s really sad that they might be forced to let it die out. I hope that either the government takes some measures to preserve it or that they find a market that’s willing to pay higher prices for the manual labour and quality.
Es inspirador ver a mujeres mexicanas trabajando y siguiendo con tradiciones tan importantes y ancestrales, me siento muy orgullosa de estas mujeres. Sin embargo, dudo mucho que el gobierno vaya a hacer algo al respecto y es muy triste, pero espero que el apoyo de la gente pueda ayudar aunque sea un poco.
Very interesting article. Finding out how the red color is extracted naturally from ladybirds… is truly wonderful. Extracting natural colors from plants for all types of industries would lead to lowering the pollution of many watercourses which then end up in the sea. A huge round of applause to these folks for their great work.😍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️
A farm that grows opuntia cactuses to grow cochineals is called a Nopalry. Thanks for explaining the difference between the type that infests live cactuses and the traditional method of using tiny woven tubes to put the bugs in. It is in a lot of foods. One thing she said isn’t true, at least not for me – I absolutely can taste it in foods and it tastes slightly bitter. If you think it’s tasteless taste a pinch of the dye powder. Then you’ll always be able to taste when it’s in food. Cool article, I’ve explained to so many people what this ingredient is. From now on I’ll be able to tell people who ask me what it is to watch your article.
10:42 – “Brands like the liqueur Campari and Starbucks stopped using carmine due to pressure from vegetarian customers.” – These customers surely didn’t care how much pollution these companies produce when they buy their products. But apparently they draw the line when it comes to the insects. Goodness me.
In Australia, prickly pears are considered an invasive species in spite of being used as a folk remedy for the likes of Hooping Cough and for the fruit. I am curious as to what the cochineal ‘houses are weaved from. Surely it is some textile still produced… It is just a matter of finding enough of a market to produce it.
First of all I want to state my hope that this particular tradition is not lost (provided that carminic acid is human-safe). It is a testament of how human beings interacted and keep interacting with nature in a fairly balanced way. For those you raise the issue of animal cruelty or that this is an anti-vegan practice I want to lay out the following thoughts: 1. The demand of coloring agents will persist strong even if this practice disappears. The alternatives might be petroleum byproducts or synthetic agents, thus increasing the probability of those non-natural compounds being harmful to human beings. Do we want that? 2. The energy needed to produce the aforementioned alternatives might have a carbon footprint even more harmful than a process that is mostly tuned in with the local environment due to minimal disturbance of the natural ecosystem, moderate production rate and exploitation of a species of insect that is not under threat. 3. Should sensitivity towards the life/ rights of this tiny bug outweigh the need of human beings to survive by this admittedly niche agricultural process? Even if you are to take for granted that these people will transition to another type of cultures (mainly plant cultures like tomatoes or corn) this is going to take a toll on their income, probably for the worst for some time. In an economy if intrinsic problems like Mexico’s into an environment of global financial instability and severely injured supply chains do we want to create even more problems?
I hope this industry survives. This is a prime example of how ignorant the “woke” plant eaters are. They pressure companies to stop using animal products but do not offer alternatives for people who depend on the income from those products. A practice that has been around for millions of years and yet the cochineals are not endangered or extinct. I thought they were more about protecting at risk species but they are just privallegded and ignorant.
I love these kinds of articles, but you never tell us how we can support these people or how we can purchase their goods. You are making money off of people’s failing businesses and not using the reach you have to help them. This article was posted 2 hours ago and already has over 41k views…. I can’t be the only one that went to the article description looking to see how I can buy this beautiful dye from this sweet sweet lady. I’ve seen your articles on bone carving art, blanket weaving, salt making etc and you NEVER tell us how we can help these people. I would absolutely love to buy these people’s products. Also, donate money so they can stay in production, travel to see them, learn more about their craft and what it means to them. You are doing these people a huge disservice by financially gaining from their downfall.
Wow I had no idea there was an industry for these things. They’re a scale insect and considered to be a pest. My company treats them with both foliar insecticide applications as well as systemic injections. I was aware that native American tribes used to use them for dyes, but I had no idea that they were still used. It’s crazy to me that people intentionally breed them in this day and age.
Thank you for the article on the modern practices for a natural red. This insect was also a major crop for the serf plantation system in Slavic nations. The colonization of the Americas (including Mexico) made the cochineal plantations unnecessary in Eastern Europe because the cactus and warmer climate allowed for improved production.
Me encanta la delicadeza y precisión con la que trabajan estas lindas doñitas, además de que sueltan el conocimiento científico con la misma fluidez que el resto de detalles que dan 💚. Este año va a ser la primera vez que coseche nopales, y siempre necesito subir con guantes muy gruesos porque si no, casi siempre me espino
I’m all for supporting animal rights, but the generation we find ourselves in should be renamed the “Cancelled Generation”. Coming from the Gen x era I can say confidently that I’ve never seen so many things canceled because somebody’s feelings get hurt. Furthermore, while I can comprehend the plight of vegans, why must the majority of vegans try to push their beliefs on the rest of the world? As for the vegan cancel-culture generation, it certainly is reminiscent of the colonizing European culture….. Please miss the rest of the world with that nonsense. I, for one would rather eat things that are colored with natural dyes from bugs than eat something that has synthetic dyes originating from petroleum or other hazardous materials.
My mom started freaking out about bugs in kinder egg making (not positive what it’s about) I’m gonna hide this article from her feed. She’s willing to eat worms, yet she freaks about insects in the creation of her 1st world comforts. It’s absolutely ridiculous. I hope these farmers win their fight, there isn’t any freaking decent reason why they should be forced to shut down their generational farms over uneducated mass crying over nothing.
This is literally heartbreaking. I see my mother, tias, abuelas, besinas in the eyes of these women and it pains me hear them holding back sorrows when talking about the death of their practices.. all so that someone thousands of miles away can protect their profits and feel good while guzzling sugar. Livestock and cattle live in absolute terrible, cramped, diseased and literal shit covered pens with horrible caretakers cause why not, while this bug is living in what their caretakers refereed to as a library. Safe from nature and all the food they could ever want, grown and handpicked especially for them.
Since two years, all the nopal in my country in north Africa disappeared, because of the cochenille! All the fields limited by cactuses have been infected, from Mediterranean sea north, to south-east and south! The nopal becomes grey at the beginning, as in the article, to crush at the end! I never knew cochenille was exploited economically! The ministry of agriculture tries to introduce a new variety that resists to cochenille!
God help the vegetarians and vegans when people take it a step further for online kudos and start pointing out that EVERYTHING that we eat was/is alive. Heartless veggie murderers. The saddest part of the whole thing is that the bugs are nurtured and thrive due to that industry, they also die naturally. Now, due to people who pretend to care about them, their numbers will fall.
This woman is very educated. I love how she compared the anatomical differences from other bugs. This a the Mexican culture we need imigrating to the United States, not unskilled uneducated people with the lack of drive and respect to learn the language of the people you ask asking money from. I never understood the saying “when in Rome.” Now as an adult I clearly understand that if you want the respect and to participate in a place that is not your home, you follow the traditions of the locals.
What an awsome symbiotic relationship between human farmers and these little paracite insects. They are protected from predators and get to live a full healthy life on a cactus pettle protected from sun rain wind predators disease pesticides the cold ect and when thier life is over they give the farmers thier bodies to make the dye once thier life is over such a awsome relationship betwen nature and farmer both getting each other what they need and the best possible way
I had this lipstick I found 2 years ago, I swore it would be the last lipstick I bought, it was perfect. Then I found this red fabric, most beautiful colour red I’ve ever seen. The lipstick was discontinued earlier this year, the blush I like gone, and I can not find any more fabric in that colour. And now I’m realizing I can’t find any of these because of a bunch of vegetarians that go to starbucks, to say I’m mad is an understatement. Of course I had no idea to look up issues with pigment sourcing, it all makes sense now.
One of the main reasons that vegans and vegetarians are against raising and eating animals is the lack of humane care and the environmental impact of the large pieces of land needed to produce them. However, I see that these cochineal farmers provide the utmost care and they have love and respect for these bugs and the plants that are vital to produce them. They cultivate the cacti naturally and every step in the process of making this dye is designed for the health and handling of the insects they raise. Also every one of the few producers are practicing their craft in a manor that does little to impact the land they use, upholds tradition and since it is all done by hand, it does not create much waste. Also the dye is natural and not made from the byproducts of chemical or industrial productions. I’d rather the dye used in my clothes, makeup and food be made from bugs than from something that can cause cancer. Just a thought.
Too bad that most governments don’t recognize that investing in women and female run businesses, is investing in the entire community. Unlike mainly male-run companies that focus on profit, female run businesses focus largely on education and sharing with their community. You see this across the world. The knowledge, hard work and community spirit of these women is admirable!
I see this as a side-effect of blind activism. Pressure by American consumers reversed efforts on an entirely different continent to preserve and maintain a cultural practice with historical significance and impact. This is what happens when a vocal (and ignorant) minority are given too much power. :/
I would love to see more natural and proven products like these promoted to move away from synthetics which their respective industries often lie about their safety. Not saying natural products can’t be harmful, just that this product seems proven. Even if we could get a plant based dye with the same qualities, plant cultivation often has a far greater impact on local ecology than what this seems to have. I think as conscientious consumers, product like these are far more appealing than their cheaper, mass-product synthetic counterparts.
Where i live we have this clasic small cake/cookie that everyone knows called “Roze koek” literally translates to pink cookie. It was dyed with Cochineal for as long as i can remember, until (when i was young) kids started to talk about how there were bugs in the cookie, i think everyone kinda just got grossed out and didn’t buy them anymore, so now almost al of them are colored with red beets😅
Yeah also the running of the bulls, bullfighting, horse racing, rodeo, dog fighting, cock fighting. They’re all important things that bring lots of people joy which we have done for hundreds of years. They might hurt the animal and be gory and cruel but they’re fun to us so I mean we shouldn’t stop doing them just because another animal that can’t even tell us if they care or not will get hurt or die. While we’re at it a tradition which was cruel but fun was perusal public stonings or throwing rotten tomatoes at the gallows, also like fighting gladiators to death in a big stadium. We could keep doing those things too. Traditions are very important and it’s just not fair.
“Until 2009, cochineal was one of many dyes that fell under the umbrella term “natural color” on ingredients lists. But because cochineal provokes severe allergic reactions in some people, the Food and Drug Administration requires carmine and cochineal extract to be explicitly identified in ingredients lists.” so no bugs are not in m&ms and other red colored things, unless stated.
She Shouldnt move them from the ground but place the bug on cactus after heavy rain and full moon then she will get the most beautiful blossom red dye and that’s how the ancient way is because they didn’t have the spare to chopping them down and hanging them they needed bug and plantes to live in a symbiosis. When she find a good bug koloni she can dry them and crush them to feed the less good bugs .