MINGNAN BIO
MINGNAN BIO
Natural Yellow Food Color · Crocin
A premium natural yellow food color extracted from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, rich in crocin and crocetin — the same carotenoid pigments found in saffron. With our own 800-mu gardenia plantation, we achieve an exceptional color value of 810 E(1%, 1cm, 440nm), far exceeding typical commercial grades.
Product Overview
Gardenia Yellow is a natural, water-soluble food color pigment derived from the mature fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, a member of the Rubiaceae family. Its main coloring components are crocin (a carotenoid digentiobiosyl ester of trans-crocetin) and crocetin — the same pigments that give saffron its golden hue.
The pigment also contains trace amounts of geniposide, flavonoids, and chlorogenic acid. It appears as a fine orange-yellow powder, easily soluble in water and alcohol, with excellent coloring power for proteins and starches.
From gardenia fruit, same as saffron's crocin
Dissolves easily in water & alcohol
High-purity carotenoid pigment
No synthetic additives
Own Plantation Base
Our gardenia yellow pigment starts from our own 800 mu (approx. 133 acres) of dedicated Gardenia jasminoides plantation. By controlling the raw material from cultivation to harvest, we ensure consistent pigment quality, high crocin content, and traceable supply for our customers worldwide.
Vertical integration: 800 mu of our gardenia plantation is part of our 2000-mu agricultural base, where 800 mu is intercropped with radish. This symbiotic model lets us control both key raw materials — gardenia for yellow pigment and radish for red pigment — within a single, integrated farming operation. Customers are welcome to visit and verify our plantation and processing capabilities.
Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Gardenia Yellow |
|---|---|
| Botanical Source | Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fruit |
| Main Coloring Components | Crocin (Crocin I, II, III) + Crocetin |
| Also Contains | Geniposide (trace), flavonoids, chlorogenic acid |
| CAS Number | 42553-65-1 / 94238-00-3 |
| CNS Number | 08.112 |
| KFDA Number | Natural Additives, 58 |
| Japan Reference | Natural Additives, 136 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄₄H₆₄O₂₄ (Crocin) |
| Molecular Weight | 976.98 g/mol |
| Appearance | Fine orange-yellow powder |
| Color Value (Flagship) | E(1%, 1cm, 440nm) = 810 — industry-leading |
| Color Value Range | E(1%, 1cm, 440±5nm): 60–810 (customizable) |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, aqueous alcohol; insoluble in oil |
| pH Stability | Orange-yellow at pH 1–7; bright yellow at pH 8–12; stable pH 4–11 |
| Heat Stability | Good in neutral to alkaline conditions; moderate in acidic |
| Light Stability | Moderate — avoid direct sunlight in acidic systems; better in neutral/alkaline |
| Metal Ion Sensitivity | Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ may affect color; stable to most other metal ions |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 7% |
| Ash Content | ≤ 4% |
| Geniposide | ≤ 1.0% |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 3 mg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 1,000 cfu/g |
| Pathogenic Bacteria | Negative |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (powder, unopened) |
| Storage | Sealed, avoid light, store in cool dry place |
| Package | 10kg or 20kg (customizable) |
Applications
Gardenia Yellow is one of the most versatile natural yellow colorants, widely used across food, beverage, and supplement categories. It performs especially well in neutral to slightly alkaline systems.
Note: Dissolve pigment in a small amount of water first, then mix with food materials. Add in the later stages of processing when possible. Avoid strong alkaline conditions (pH >7 may cause reversible color shift to red-orange).
Stability & Performance
Stable across pH 4–11. Orange-yellow at pH 1–7; bright yellow at pH 8–12. Particularly vibrant under alkaline conditions. Avoid prolonged strong alkaline exposure.
Good heat tolerance in neutral to alkaline systems. In acidic conditions, heat resistance is reduced — recommend adding in later processing stages for best color retention.
Light resistance is moderate — avoid prolonged direct sunlight in acidic systems. Stable to most metal ions except Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺. Good tolerance to salts and reducing agents.
Coloring tip: Gardenia Yellow has excellent staining effect on hydrophilic matrices such as proteins and starches. For best results, use in neutral to slightly alkaline formulations. The pigment also possesses natural antioxidant properties from crocin, which can help extend product shelf life.
Certifications & Compliance
Regulatory status: Approved in China (GB2760, CNS 08.112), Japan (Natural Additives No.136), Korea (KFDA Natural Additives No.58). Widely accepted in international markets for food, beverage, and supplement applications.
FAQ
Get in Touch
Tell us your product type, target yellow shade, processing conditions, and regulatory requirements. We'll recommend the optimal gardenia yellow grade and arrange sample delivery.