Widely utilized as a valuable natural blue colorant
Phycocyanin is a type of phycobiliprotein that is extracted from the edible blue-green algae Spirulina. It is not an organic solvent but a component extracted with water, and that is one of the reasons why it is said to be safe.There are few materials in nature that contain edible blue colorant, and phycocyanin, a component unique to spirulina that produces a clear blue color, is widely used as a valuable natural edible blue colorant.
Phycocyanin is a type of phytochemical that is currently attracting attention.
Phytochemicals are ingredients that plants, such as vegetables, have to protect themselves from ultraviolet rays, etc. They are said to have excellent and useful actions, and they are expected to do the same in our bodies.
In addition to the five main nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for humans, dietary fiber is said to be the sixth nutrient. In recent years, phytochemicals have attracted attention as the “seventh nutrient.”
Phycocyanin properties
- The color tone is a bright blue with a slight blue fluorescence.
- Compared to the blue color from Gardenia blue color, the blue from Spirulina is a very bright, vivid blue.
- There are two types of products, powder and liquid.
How to use phycocyanin
- It is generally added to foods at a ratio of 0.01 to 0.1%.
- The best time to add is below 60°C after the heating process.
- When mixed with red, yellow, and other food colors as appropriate, intermediate colors such as purple and yellow-green can be produced.
Recent studies have focused on the usefulness of phycocyanin.
Phycocyanin was confirmed to enhance the skin’s barrier function (moisturizing power) and protect skin moisture through human clinical trials using a final product as an ingredient. Taking advantage of these functions, a functional food product called “Phycona Skin Moistlifting Tablet” has been released. “Phycona Skin Moistlifting Tablet” is the first functional food product in Japan to contain phycocyanin derived from spirulina and labeled with functional properties.
Phycocyanin – Examples of its Use as a Natural Coloring Agent
Phycocyanin is a Natural Blue Colorant that can be used for various foods.- Frozen confectionery: ice cream, popsicle gelato, etc.
- Confectionery: jelly, cake, gum, gummy, candy, chocolate, etc.
- Drinks: soft drinks, smoothies, alcohol, cocktails, etc.
- Japanese sweets: Nerikiri, dango, bean paste, agar, etc.
- Baked Confectionery: Cookie Muffin Donuts, etc.
- Others: icing bread, sushi rolls, noodles, wasabi, etc.
