Abstract: In this paper, the optimum solvent for the extraction of natural edible red pigment from Jujube and the characteristicsof the pigment were studied. It was clear from the results that among the several chemical solvents tested for the extraction of thepigment, 50% ethanol (pH3) was the optimum solvent for the extraction of the pigment from jujube. The ODλmax of the jujubepigment was 320nm. The pigment was stable when it was tested by sunshine, temperature and most of the metal ions (Ca2+, Mg2+,Mn2+, Zn2+) respectively. Most of the metal ions could not interfere the stability of the pigment except Fe3+. Jujube pigmentwas stable under any pH condition, both in acid and alkaline. Results showed that the jujube pigment was worth of exploitingand utilizing. It could be used as one of the resources of natural edible pigments.

Key words: jujube pigment, extraction, stability