Abstract:

A red pigment was extracted from pericarp of Ficus carica L. by microwave technology. The optimal extraction conditions were explored by orthogonal experiments to be microwave power of 400 W, microwave treatment of 15 min, microwave treatment temperature of 35 ℃, and material-liquid ratio 1:20 (g/mL) through evaluating the extraction rate of red pigment. The extraction rate of red pigment was 89.69% under optimal extraction conditions. Meanwhile, red pigment from pericarp of Ficus carica L. exhibited strong stability to heat, light and acids. Commonly used food additives, oxidant, reluctant and metal ions such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Al3+ except Fe3+ did not affect the stability of red pigment. The extraction rate of red pigment of Ficus carica L. can be enhanced by microwave technology, and this red pigment has excellent stability.

Key words: pericarp of Ficus carica L., red pigment, microwave, extraction, stability