Carmine

Zoology

Carmine is a pigment of a bright red color obtained from the carminic acid produced by some scale insects, such as the Polish cochineal, and is used as a general term for a particularly deep red color of the same name. Carmine is used in the manufacture of artificial flowers, paints, crimson ink, rouge, and other cosmetics, and is routinely added to food products such as yoghurt and certain brands of juice, most notably those of the ruby-red variety.