Articles
History and uses of cochineal in the Canary Islands
Article number
1452_61
Pages
471 – 476
Language
English
Abstract
Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) is an insect native to Mexico, historically used by pre-Hispanic populations to dye objects such as feathers, fabrics or stones.
It is a parasite of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia maxima and O. ficus-indica), and its use is attributed to the presence of carminic acid, a compound with exceptional dyeing properties.
Cochineal was first introduced to Spain in 1820 by the Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País de Cádiz, where experimental farming was carried out for several years before seeking other locations with a more favourable climate for its growth.
By 1824, it was introduced to the Canary Islands, with Tenerife being the first island to begin production.
Later, cultivation expanded to Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, and eventually the rest of the islands.
The introduction of cochineal was initially challenging, as farmers were reluctant to adopt it, fearing it would damage the Opuntia plants.
However, their concerns were quickly alleviated, and cochineal soon became a substitute for grapevine cultivation, which was in crisis at that time.
The promising outlook for cochineal farming led to its expansion, with prickly pear cactus cultivation spreading from the coast to the mountains.
For several decades, cochineal was a key export of the archipelago until its decline with the advent of synthetic aniline dyes, which were cheaper and easier to produce.
Despite these challenges, cochineal never disappeared completely and shifted from large-scale farms to small family-run businesses.
Its cultivation has persisted locally, and in 2015, cochineal from the Canary Islands was granted protected Designation of Origin (D.O.) status.
Due to its non-toxic nature, cochineal continues to be used as a dye not only for textiles but also in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
It is a parasite of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia maxima and O. ficus-indica), and its use is attributed to the presence of carminic acid, a compound with exceptional dyeing properties.
Cochineal was first introduced to Spain in 1820 by the Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País de Cádiz, where experimental farming was carried out for several years before seeking other locations with a more favourable climate for its growth.
By 1824, it was introduced to the Canary Islands, with Tenerife being the first island to begin production.
Later, cultivation expanded to Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, and eventually the rest of the islands.
The introduction of cochineal was initially challenging, as farmers were reluctant to adopt it, fearing it would damage the Opuntia plants.
However, their concerns were quickly alleviated, and cochineal soon became a substitute for grapevine cultivation, which was in crisis at that time.
The promising outlook for cochineal farming led to its expansion, with prickly pear cactus cultivation spreading from the coast to the mountains.
For several decades, cochineal was a key export of the archipelago until its decline with the advent of synthetic aniline dyes, which were cheaper and easier to produce.
Despite these challenges, cochineal never disappeared completely and shifted from large-scale farms to small family-run businesses.
Its cultivation has persisted locally, and in 2015, cochineal from the Canary Islands was granted protected Designation of Origin (D.O.) status.
Due to its non-toxic nature, cochineal continues to be used as a dye not only for textiles but also in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
Authors
D. Afonso-Morales, V. Pérez, J.A. Reyes-Betancort
Keywords
cactus, carminic acid, carmine violet, Dactylopius coccus, grana, natural dyes, prickly pear
Groups involved
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