How to make purple food coloring? | Professional techniques

Creating the perfect shade of purple for your frosting, cake pops, cupcake swirls and other edibles can seem like a difficult task; but with the right ingredients, it’s easy to create delicious and vibrant colors that will make your treats look their best. From store-bought products to homemade food coloring recipes with household items, there are plenty of ways to achieve an ideal shade of purple for all your culinary creations. In this blog post we’ll take you through some simple steps so you can learn just how to make purple food coloring quickly and easily.

What is food coloring?

Food coloring is a type of dye that can be used to color your food in a variety of different shades. It’s often made from natural substances, such as fruits and vegetables, spices, or even edible minerals. This type of coloring is completely safe to use when consumed in small amounts and it won’t affect the flavor of the food.

The different types of food colorings and their uses

There are a few different types of food colorings, each with its own unique uses:

• Liquid food coloring is one of the most common and it’s great for adding vibrant colors to frosting, icings, and other decorations.
• Gel food coloring is thicker in consistency and can be used for creating more subtle tones in your desserts or sauces.
• Powdered food coloring is used to create a more concentrated color and is perfect for creating deep, dark hues.

What’s the best way to produce purple?

The best way to produce a vibrant, uniform purple color is to use a combination of red and blue gel food coloring. This will give you the most reliable results every time without having to worry about uneven colors or other inconsistencies. You can find gel food coloring at your local grocery store or online.

If you’re looking for an all-natural option, you can also use natural ingredients such as beetroot juice or blueberry powder to make a homemade purple food coloring. Just be sure to add more of these ingredients until the desired color is achieved.

How to make purple food coloring?

Making purple food coloring can be a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your favorite dishes. Here’s how you can make your own purple food coloring at home:

1. Start with a base color of blue or red, whichever one you prefer.
2. To get the desired shade of purple, mix equal parts of blue and red food coloring.
3. Add a few drops to your favorite dish and stir until the desired color is achieved.

For more vibrant colors, you can also add a drop of yellow or green food coloring to your mixture. Additionally, if you want to make lighter shades of purple, try adding more white food coloring into the mix.

Tips to make a perfect purple food coloring

Making a perfect purple food coloring can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you get the perfect hue every time:

• Always start with equal parts of red and blue. This will prevent any unexpected hues from appearing in your finished product.
• If using natural ingredients like beetroot juice or blueberry powder, add small amounts at a time to prevent the hue from becoming too dark.
• For light purple shades, use white food coloring or natural ingredients like lemon juice to achieve a more subtle look.
• Experiment with your ingredients until you achieve the desired color and consistency.

Recipes using purple food coloring

Once you’ve mastered how to make purple food coloring, why not try out some recipes that use this eye-catching hue? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Tiger Butter Fudge – The combination of white and purple swirls in this decadent treat make it perfect for special occasions.
• Purple Velvet Cake – This beautiful cake will make a stunning centerpiece for any celebration.
• Purple Smoothie Bowl – The vibrant color of this smoothie bowl is sure to turn heads and it’s also packed with nutrition.
• Purple Cotton Candy – This classic carnival treat is made with just a few ingredients and comes in a beautiful shade of purple.

Safety tips for working with purple food coloring

When working with food coloring, make sure to follow these safety tips:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the food coloring.
• Always wear gloves when applying food coloring to avoid staining your skin.
• If using natural ingredients, be sure to do a patch test first so you can check for any possible allergies or sensitivities.
• Keep food coloring away from children and pets to avoid any accidental ingestion.

How to store purple food coloring properly?

To make sure your food coloring stays fresh and ready to use, it’s important to store it properly. Here are some tips for storing your homemade purple food coloring:

• Store the food coloring in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
• Keep away from direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the color to fade over time.
• If using natural ingredients like beetroot juice or blueberry powder, make sure to use them within a few days for best results.
• Don’t mix the homemade food coloring with other store-bought varieties as this can affect the color and consistency of your finished product.
• Once opened, always cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Some of the most popular purple food coloring brands

If you don’t have time to make your own food coloring, there are plenty of store-bought options available. Here’s a list of some of the most popular purple food coloring brands:

1. Wilton Color Right Performance Food Coloring – This brand offers vibrant shades made with non-GMO ingredients that won’t affect the flavor or texture of your food.
2. Sugarflair Edible Lustre Dust – This brand offers edible lustres in a range of colors, including purple. It’s perfect for decorating cakes and cookies.
3. Americolor Gel Paste Food Coloring – This vegan-friendly option is ideal for creating stunning hues in your desserts without affecting their flavor or texture.
4. Chefmaster Natural Food Coloring – This brand offers natural food coloring in a range of shades, including purple. It’s perfect for creating vibrant hues without any artificial ingredients.

Conclusion: How to make purple food coloring?

Making purple food coloring is a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your favorite dishes. You can make your own using gel or powdered food coloring, or natural ingredients such as beetroot juice or blueberry powder. To get the most vibrant hue every time, always start with equal parts of red and blue. When working with food coloring, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly, wear gloves and keep away from children and pets. Lastly, always store unused food coloring in an airtight container in a cool and dry place for best results. There are also plenty of store-bought options available if you don’t have time to make it yourself. With these tips, you’ll be able to create perfect purple hues for all your favorite dishes.

FAQ: Purple food coloring

How long does purple food coloring last?

Extend the lifespan of your store-bought purple food coloring to a remarkable one year through proper storage techniques. For optimal results, homemade varieties should be consumed within a few days.

Is purple food coloring vegan?

Discover vegan-friendly options for purple food coloring. Look for brands that are vegan-certified or free from animal-derived ingredients. Enjoy vibrant, cruelty-free color choices for your culinary creations.

What is the ratio of blue to red to make purple food coloring?

For the perfect purple food coloring, use a ratio of 15 drops of blue food coloring to 80 drops of red food coloring.

Why does my purple food coloring icing turn blue?

If your purple icing suddenly turns blue, the culprit might be an excess of blue food coloring added to the mix. To restore its original hue, simply add a small amount of red food coloring.

Are there natural alternatives to artificial purple food coloring?

Looking for natural alternatives to artificial purple food coloring? We’ve got you covered. Achieve that vibrant hue with these all-natural ingredients: blueberries (in purée or juice form), blueberry powder, and blackberry powder.

Does purple food coloring stain?

Purple food coloring is known to cause stains on surfaces and fabrics. To prevent any mishaps, it is highly recommended to wear gloves while using the food coloring and ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, make sure to promptly clean up any spills or splatters using a damp cloth.

Is store-bought purple food coloring safe to use?

Safe and reliable, store-bought purple food coloring can enhance your culinary creations. Just be sure to choose an edible option and carefully read the label before buying. Prioritize safety by following recommended handling procedures.

Does purple food coloring change taste of food?

Research suggests that the color of food is associated with specific scents and flavors, influencing our perception. Therefore, adding purple food coloring might change the taste, even if it doesn’t chemically affect the flavor.

Can purple food coloring be used in cosmetics?

Purple food coloring can be used in cosmetics, but it’s not the best choice. Artificial dyes can cause skin irritation and allergies. For a safer option, use natural ingredients like beetroot juice or blueberry powder on your skin.

Does purple food coloring contain any gluten or allergens?

Ensure the safety of your diet with gluten-free and allergen-free purple food coloring. While typically free of these substances, it is advisable to carefully examine the ingredient label for any potential irritants in consideration of specific dietary needs and allergies.