Dried cochineal insects — shown here in the center of the photo — can be processed to create several natural dyes such as carmine and cochineal extract. These products get their red hue from carminic ...

Picture this: It’s 2012 and you’ve just paused “Gangnam Style” on your iPod in order your favorite drink at Starbucks — the strawberries and creme frappuccino. But as you begin sipping on the frosty, ...

Safety glasses required Protective clothing and gloves suggested Caution: hot liquids Do not eat or drink any of the materials used in this activity Thoroughly wash hands after this activity Disposal: ...

Centuries before the now-banned red dye No. 3 was synthesized in a lab, humans turned to insects to bring a little scarlet, vermillion or burgundy into their foods, fabrics and artwork. On Jan. 15, ...

An average trip to the grocery store can yield a cartful of colorful foods. Bright among the rainbow are the reds, lending hues to products such as raspberry jam, canned cherries, strawberry licorice, ...

The cochineal is a tiny insect deeply rooted in the history of Oaxaca, Mexico. Female cochineals spend most of their lives with their heads buried in juicy cactus pads, eating and growing. After ...