Did you know that urucum powder is an important 100%-natural colorant? Widely used by the food and cosmetics industries that seek to deliver an organic product to customers, this input has important properties.

Known scientifically as Bixa Orellana, urucum is the fruit of the urucum tree. Widely used by the indigenous people to dye hunting, fishing, and war utensils, urucum was discovered and brought to Europe by the first Portuguese who arrived in Brazil.

 

History of Urucum: First Use by Mayan and Aztec Peoples

Although popularized by indigenous people in Brazil, the history of urucum dates back to the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations that used seeds as a colorant to dye fabrics and for medicinal and food purposes.

A plant native to Central and South America, urucum is still used today by Amazonian tribes as a medicine. In 1500, the year Brazil was discovered by the Portuguese, the fruit was described by Pero Vaz de Caminha as “the true mine of Brazil.”

 

How Is Urucum Extracted?

Urucum is well known for having in its seeds a red-orange pigment used as a natural colorant.

There are several ways to extract the colorant from urucum, but the most common process involves maceration or grinding the seeds to separate the pigment from the pulp. Today, large-scale extraction is done by manufacturers.

 

Far Beyond Pigmentation, Urucum Contains Health-Beneficial Properties

Urucum is a plant that has many beneficial health properties and has been used for years by folk medicine to treat different conditions. Some of the main properties of urucum include:

• Natural antioxidants that help protect the body from free radical damage;
• Anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation;
• Skin protectors against UV rays;
• Healing properties that help in the recovery of wounds and skin lesions;
• Reduction of cholesterol levels in the blood.

 

How Is Urucum Used by the Food and Cosmetics Industries?

Urucum is widely used by the food and cosmetic industries due to its orange-red color that can be used as a natural colorant.

In the food industry, urucum is mainly used to color foods, including cheeses, pasta, sauces, seasonings, meats, beverages, and ice creams. It is also used in the production of food colorings and pigments.

In the cosmetics and toiletries industry, urucum serves as a natural dye for sunscreens, moisturizing creams, shampoos, and other items.

Because it is a natural colorant, urucum powder is a healthier and more sustainable alternative to synthetic colorings used in both the food and cosmetic industries.

 

Where to Buy 100%-Natural Urucum Powder?

100%-natural urucum powder is obtained through a highly technological process called Spray Drying, which removes water and preserves the nutritional aspects and characteristics of plants and fruits.

Frootiva® Co operates in the production, development, commercialization, and export of natural ingredients made from plants, seeds, and fruits present in Brazil.

In the company, you can find 100%-natural urucum powder that can be used in the production of food and cosmetics. Frootiva® Co’s product lines are also comprised of dry extracts, fluid guarana extract, and dehydrated vegetable powders.

 

To learn more about all the products and work done by Frootiva® Co, contact us by phone at 55 11 4765-0732 or fill out the form.