Turmeric Natural Colour Extraction Plant
Turmeric Natural Colour Extraction Plant
Turmeric-derived curcumin (E100) is the world's most widely used natural yellow colour, approved across the EU, US, and global markets. Mechotech's turmeric colour extraction plants produce food-grade curcumin oleoresin and water-dispersible curcumin powder for the food, beverage, and cosmetic industries.
Mechotech's turmeric colour extraction plant uses food-grade solvent extraction to produce curcumin oleoresin with 95%+ curcuminoid content, which is then formulated into water-dispersible powder using food-grade emulsifiers and spray drying. The plant meets FSSAI, FDA 21 CFR, and EU Regulation 1333/2008 requirements for natural colour production.
Manufacturing Process
Turmeric Grinding
Dried turmeric rhizomes are cleaned and ground to 40–60 mesh. High-colour varieties (Alleppey 5% curcumin grade) are preferred for maximum colour yield.
Solvent Extraction
Ground turmeric is extracted with food-grade ethyl acetate or ethanol in percolation extractors. Curcuminoids dissolve selectively into the solvent phase.
Miscella Filtration
The bright yellow miscella is filtered through sparkler and polishing filters to remove all solid particles and waxes.
Solvent Evaporation
The filtered miscella is evaporated under vacuum at below 60°C in a falling-film evaporator to yield concentrated curcumin oleoresin. Solvent is recovered at >95% efficiency.
Emulsification (Water-Dispersible)
For water-dispersible curcumin production, the oleoresin is emulsified with food-grade Tween 80 or modified starch and homogenized to produce a stable nano-emulsion.
Spray Drying
The emulsion is spray-dried with maltodextrin carrier to produce a bright yellow, free-flowing water-dispersible curcumin powder (10%–40% curcumin by HPLC).
Applications
- Food and beverage yellow colour (E100 / CI 75300)
- Dairy product colouring (butter, cheese, yogurt)
- Confectionery and bakery colouring
- Beverage colouring (juices, energy drinks, smoothies)
- Cosmetic and personal care yellow pigment
- Pharmaceutical tablet and capsule coating
- Nutraceutical curcumin supplement production
- Natural food dye for meat and seafood processing
Key Features
E100 Compliant Production
Plant design and processing aids comply with EU Regulation 1333/2008, FDA 21 CFR 73.600, and FSSAI standards for curcumin as a permitted food colour.
Water-Dispersible Format
Optional emulsification and spray-drying stage converts the oil-soluble curcumin oleoresin into a water-dispersible powder for direct addition to aqueous food systems.
High Colour Value
Optimized extraction delivers oleoresin with colour value (E1%1cm) above 900, ensuring high tinctorial strength per gram of product used.
Low Residual Solvent
Vacuum stripping ensures residual solvent in the final oleoresin and powder is below the limits set by JECFA, EU, and FDA for food-grade colour production.
Colour Standardization
Each batch is spectrophotometrically tested and standardized to the target colour value and curcuminoid percentage before release, ensuring consistency for food manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colour value does Mechotech's turmeric colour plant produce?
Is the colour produced suitable for use in beverages?
What is the difference between curcumin and turmeric extract for colouring?
Can the plant be used for other natural yellow colours like annatto?
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