What is cochineal/carmine?!

Question:

What is cochineal/carmine?

Answers:

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Beetles....GROSS!

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A red pigment or food dye, derived from beetles.

http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/je...

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Cochineal is a bright red colouring matter made from the dried bodies of a Mexican insect Dactylopius coccus. Billions of these insects are raised and destroyed each year for a red colouring that is used in desserts, some strawberry soya milks, clothing, etc.

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cochineal is used as a food dye and is made from a type of beetle

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