Study on the Extraction and Stability of Strawberry Red Pigment

Natural pigments have raised a growing interest due to their extensive range of colors, innocuous and beneficial health effects. In this paper, the extraction process and stability of strawberry red pigment were studied. An orthogonal test [L16(4)4] was applied to get the best extraction conditions. Results showed that the optimum conditions were that the extraction temperature was 65C, the solid-liquid ratio was 1:5 (g/mL), the ratio of 1.5mol/L hydrochloride to 97.5% ethanol was 3:17 (mL/mL), and the extraction time was 4.5 hours. The effects of heat treatment, oxidant, sugar and preservatives on the stability of strawberry red pigment were also discussed. The stability of strawberry red pigment was found to be affected by high temperature, hydrogen peroxide, and potassium sorbate. This study is expected to provide a basis for further research, development, and utilization of strawberry red pigment.