Why does purple cabbage turn blue

An increase in pH to 6. To avoid the appearance of blue cabbage all that is required is the addition of an acidic substance which could include vinegar, lemon juice, lime juice or even things like soya sauce are also acidic. For recipes that already contain acidic components, you will not need to add any additional quantities. Additionally, the reaction that causes the discoloration of the cabbage is reversible. This means that if the dish you are cooking does happen to turn blue you will be able to return it to its original color by adding a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Because the color of the anthocyanin is affected by the pH of the environment, these molecules can tell you the pH of any substance. If you make an extract of red cabbage juice, it will change color when mixed with solutions of various pH.

The anthocyanin turns bright pink in acids, reddish-purple in neutral solutions and green in alkaline or basic solutions. This experiment shows you how to make a pH indicator from red cabbage! Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close.

Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Color Chemistry The color of purple cabbage comes from pigments called anthocyanins. Cooking Purple Cabbage Add an acidic substance, such as vinegar, wine or lemon juice, to the pot to retain the color of purple cabbage. How to Steam Cook Cabbage. How to Cook Cabbage in a Microwave Oven. How to Cook Red Aztec Spinach. How to Make Blue Food Coloring. How to Steam Cabbage in the Microwave. What Are the Benefits of Eating Red How to Cook Mixed Greens.

How to Blanch Cabbage.