Abstract: The stability and anti-oxidation effect of the red pigment extracted from Cerasus Humilis, a new natural food colorant, were studied in this paper. The results obtained showed that the pigment had different stabilities under different conditions. It was stable to the light, heat, common food addictive and metal ion except Fe3+ and Sn2+, but it was unstable to sodium benzoate, oxidant and reducing agent. It had strong anti-oxidation stability. When the pigment was used in soft drink and wine, it had good heat stability but poor light stability. And the additive level was between 0.05%～0.1% when its colorant effect was excellent.

Key words: red pigment from Cerasus Humilis, properties, application