Cochineal is a scale insect, dactylopius coccus, that grows on cactuses in the dry regions of Mexico and South America. Cochineal naturally produce carminic acid, which is one of the strongest and most color-fast natural dyes. It was used for centuries by pre-Columbian dyers, and it was coveted by European dyeing houses in the 17th and 18th centuries as a less fickle alternative to madder. Cochineal was even the source for the famous crimson red of the British Army’s “Redcoats” in the late 1700s. Carminic acid can produce an amazing range of colors, from pale pinks and magentas through to intense crimsons and dark purples. We import our cochineal direct from a farm in the high deserts of Peru outside of Arequipa.
Before using, please read our Guide to Dyeing with Cochineal for color recipes, background, and safety information.
Cochineal is a scale insect, dactylopius coccus, that grows on cactuses in the dry regions of Mexico and South America. Cochineal naturally produce carminic acid, which is one of the strongest and most color-fast natural dyes. It was used for centuries by pre-Columbian dyers, and it was coveted by European dyeing houses in the 17th and 18th centuries as a less fickle alternative to madder. Cochineal was even the source for the famous crimson red of the British Army’s “Redcoats” in the late 1700s. Carminic acid can produce an amazing range of colors, from pale pinks and magentas through to intense crimsons and dark purples. We import our cochineal direct from a farm in the high deserts of Peru outside of Arequipa.
Before using, please read our Guide to Dyeing with Cochineal for color recipes, background, and safety information.
