Abstract: The extraction technology of pigment from west plum pericarp was optimized by L9 (33) othogonal test,and the stability of the pigment was studied. The results showed that the optimal technological conditions are as follows: tempera-ture 70℃,time 5 hours,0.5 percent hydrochloric acid-ethanol (V/V) as extraction solution and ratio of material to extraction solution 1:10. The maximum absorption wavelength of the pigment is 538 nm. It is stable to Zn2+,K+,Ca2+,Mg2+,Na+ and Cu2+.Its stability is affected significantly by pH,but good at pH<4. Fe3+,oxidant,reductant and light have hypochromic effect on the pigment.

Key words: West plum pericarp, pigment, extraction technology, stability