Phycocyanin Benefits

There are reports that the Monascus Red color can be cultured in a submerged culture system, which can overcome the disadvantages of other traditional processes.

The fungus is essential due to its utilization in the form of red yeast rice. The fungus has been used in Asian countries for many centuries as a source of natural color and flavor ingredient in beverages and food.

Common Uses

The Monascus spp. is categorized as a natural food color. It is widely used in traditional medicines and as a food supplement. With efforts to replace synthetic food colours with natural colorants, Monascus Red color has become one of the favorite.

The fungus Monascus spp. is fermented using solid-state fermentation (SSF) or submerged fermentation (SmF). Just like other natural colorants, Monascus spp. cannot be used alone for a whole range of food products. This is due to its sensitivity to physical parameters.
A traditional method of pigment production is employed where the fungus is grown on a solid medium such as steamed rice. However, this method does not offer easy control of environmental parameters as it requires intensive space.

Traditionally, red fermented rice production is through a combination of Monascus spp. (M. purpureus) and yeast. The Monascus spp. breaks down the starch in rice to simple sugars, while yeast continues the breakdown process converting it to alcohol.

The fungus ferments in rice, causing rapid development of mycelium, until a crimson pigment permeates the grain completely. This gives the product a characteristic red color. The red-coloured rice is later ground to powder and used as a coloring agent.

Applications

Monascus color is used in wine, candy, cooked meat, bean curd, ice cream, popsicles, biscuits, jelly, puffed food, seasoning, canned pickles, pastries, ham coloring, can also be used in medicine and cosmetics coloring as a natural red coloring agent.

Dosage: usually 0.2 ‰ ~ 2 ‰, or add the appropriate amount according to your production needs.we will also offer help if you need.
Note: Because this product is somewhat less resistance to light, in addition to meat, seafood, soy sauce, Products that require good light resistance should be used with caution.

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