Are you tired of using artificial food coloring in your home baked goods? Do you want to get creative and make your own colors? Well, you’re in luck because in this article we will be discussing how to make your own orange food coloring at home.
Why Make Your Own Food Coloring?
Artificial food coloring has been linked to numerous health concerns such as ADHD, allergic reactions, and even cancer. Additionally, many people are choosing to adopt a more natural and sustainable lifestyle, and making your own food coloring aligns with this philosophy.
What You Will Need:
- 2-3 medium-sized carrots
- Water
- Cheese grater or food processor
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Bowl or jar to capture the liquid
Step by Step Guide:
Step 1: Peel and Grate the Carrots
Clean and peel 2-3 medium-sized carrots. Using a cheese grater or food processor, grate the carrots into fine shreds. This will allow for better release of the color.
Step 2: Extract the Juice
Place the grated carrots into a cheesecloth or fine strainer and squeeze the juice out into a bowl or jar. You can also place the carrots into a blender with a small amount of water and blend until smooth. Then, pour the blended mixture through the strainer to capture the liquid.
Step 3: Reduce the Liquid
Pour the carrot juice into a pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to half of the initial amount. This will concentrate the orange color and make it more vibrant.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once the liquid has reduced, turn off the heat and let it cool down. Store the liquid in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Tips and Tricks:
- If you prefer a more concentrated color, use more carrots and reduce the liquid further.
- For a deeper orange color, try roasting your carrots before extracting the juice.
- You can use this method to make other natural colors by using different fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
Making your own food coloring is a simple and fun way to add natural colors to your cooking and baking. This method using carrots is a great way to achieve an orange hue. It’s always important to know what goes into your food and choosing natural ingredients is a great way to ensure that you’re feeding your body the best nourishment possible.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long will the orange food coloring last?
- Can I use this method to make other colors?
- Can I use this food coloring for icing?
- Can I freeze the orange food coloring?
The homemade coloring can last for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Yes! You can use other fruits and vegetables like beets, blueberries, or spinach to create different hues.
Yes, this food coloring can be used for icing, though keep in mind that the color may not be as intense as artificial food coloring.
Yes, you can freeze the food coloring for up to three months.
References:
1. “5 Reasons to Avoid Artificial Food Coloring.” Huffington Post, 19 Aug. 2013, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/5-reasons-to-avoid-artifi_b_3709778.
2. “DIY Natural Food Coloring: A Chart & EXCITING GIVEAWAY.” Vibrant Wellness Journal, 18 Dec. 2012, https://vibrantwellnessjournal.com/2012/12/18/diy-natural-food-coloring-a-chart-exciting-giveaway/.
3. “How to Make Natural Food Coloring (Ingredient List, Directions, and Video).” The Spruce Eats, https://www.thespruceeats.com/make-natural-food-coloring-i-1388308.