S. Korean researchers find use for apple peel and crab apple as natural pigment

South Korea's Apple Use Research Institute has developed a reddish natural pigment extraction and recycling method using wasted apple peel and crab apples.

Apple peel contains the reddish natural pigments called anthocyanins.

Meanwhile, crab apples are pollinizers that help the cultivation species bear fruits. It is planted with the cultivation species in a ratio of 1:9.

Most crab apples are disposed of due to their sour and astringent taste.

According to the study, red, black apples, and Arnold species with reddish skin and flesh are the most suitable for creating natural pigments for natural pigments for processed foods with low acidity and supplementary health foods and medicines.

They also can be used as a raw material for color glow cosmetics such as blushers and lipsticks

The institute operates under the umbrella of the Gyeongsangnam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services.