The crushed bodies of a Central and South American insect, called the Cochineal, produces a natural red dye.

They are used for textiles, food-coloring, and cosmetics. Next time you see an ingredients list that includes carmine, cochineal extract or natural red 4, it comes from these bugs.

  • toynbee@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    Every time I’ve scrolled past this thumbnail, my mind has gone to stigmata until I read the title.