COMMERCIAL CLASSIFICATION
| Characteristics | First quality |
|---|---|
| Humidity | 6 – 8 % |
| Ashes | 0 % |
| Carminic Acid | 19 – 25 % |
| Impurities | 3 as maximum |
Cochineal Uses
Currently, the main use of cochineal is in the form of carmine, which is a versatile product of great value for many industries.
PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY
Carmine powder used in the preparation of dragees and tablets. In alkaline solution it is used in toothpastes, mouthwashes, etc
COSMETIC INDUSTRY
It is used in pencils, face powders, pencils for the eyes, etc. The cosmetic industry is the most demanding, it only accepts high purity carmine that matches in hue with its quality and color patterns.
FOOD INDUSTRY
The consumer of sausages is used to using products with a certain shade of red. Alcoholic beverages (Campari type), non-alcoholic beverages, jellies, jams, ice creams, yogurt, cherries, are also colored. powdered soups, etc. In general, any product that should have a strawberry red hue.
TEXTILE INDUSTRY
Cochineal is traditionally used in Peru since pre-Inca civilizations in an aqueous state, using alum as a mordant, to dye alpaca and cotton hair.
Quality Control Laboratory
Before making the shipment, a sample of the product is made in the laboratory, this document is delivered together with the product and presents the following data: