Underutilized plant sources: A hidden treasure of natural colors. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ghosh, Susmita; Sarkar, Tanmay; Chakraborty, Runu
• Is Part Of: Food bioscience. Volume 52(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Underutilized plants -- Neglected plants -- Natural pigments -- Food colorants -- Food safety; Food -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Food -- Research -- Periodicals; Aliments -- Biotecnologia -- Revistes; Aliments -- Investigació -- Revistes; Food -- Biotechnology; Food -- Research; Revistes electròniques; Periodicals; 664.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102361
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-4292

Abstract

Abstract: Pigments, which are naturally found in a variety of fruits and are categorized as natural dyes, are compounds that impart color to a variety of products in the food industry. Natural colorants are being used in the food industry to broaden the color pallet. Exploration and long-term use of underutilized crops (also known as minor or neglected) are critical for dietary diversification as well as fulfilling the nutritional needs of an ever-increasing human population. In recent years, the potential for underutilized crops as an emerging source of natural colorants has gained traction in the scientific community. The predominant factors behind the exploration of unconventional plants are sustainable production, local availability, technological feasibility, cultural importance, specialty food production, and new fundamental insights. There is an urgent need to uncover and explore underutilized plants in the changing world where unfavorable climatic and human conditions endanger natural vegetation around the planet. Humans have been using plant-based pigments since ancient times. Alternative vegetal resources and the re-discovery of underutilized plants should be prioritized in the hunt for important natural colorants. This review demonstrates the potential of this underutilized natural resource to extract promising natural colorants, which can be utilized in the food industry in the future. A scientific approach as well as research regarding the investigation, utilization, the discovery of new plant species having valuable natural pigments, their actions safety, and nutritional properties, is still needed around the world. Highlights: Underutilized and neglected plants are emerging sources of essential bioactive components. They are rich in natural pigments with therapeutic properties. Have potential for applications as natural colorants in the food industry. Studies on the extraction of natural hues from underutilized sources have increased in the recent years.