Abstract:

Ethanol was used to extract natural red pigment from sweet cherry fruits under the assistance of ultrasonic. The optimal extraction process was investigated using orthogonal array design. Along with this, the stability of pigment product obtained was dealt with. Results showed that using 90% ethanol to extract raw material in 50 ℃ water bath under the assistance of ultrasonic treatment for 5 min gave an optimal red pigment extraction. The pigment was easy to dissolve in water, and had poor resistance to indoor natural light, heat and oxidation. Except Al3+ and Fe3+, other metal ions including Mg2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Na+, and K+ had no obvious effects on the pigment. In acidic medium or in the presence of reductants or common food additives, the pigment exhibited good stability. Therefore, the pigment as a natural plant-derived pigment can be extensively used in food, medicine industries, and so on.

Key words: sweet cherry, pigment, extraction, stability, orthogonal array desing