Cochineal Whole Dried Bugs (Dactylopius coccus) organic

Wooden bowl filled with dark-colored stones on a white background

Cochineal Whole Dried Bugs (Dactylopius coccus) organic

$21.00

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Also known as cochinilla (Spanish), grana cochinilla, carmine insect, “scarlet grain.”

Cochineal is a legendary natural dye derived from the dried bodies of Dactylopius coccus, a scale insect cultivated on prickly pear (nopal) cacti. These insects produce carminic acid, which makes up 19–22% of their body weight and yields brilliant reds, pinks, and purples.

Our cochineal comes directly from a small, sustainable farm in Peru, where it is cultivated organically on nopals and traded fairly. This ensures a consistently high carminic acid content for strong, reliable dye results, while also supporting farming families who keep this ancient tradition alive.

Did you know? Cochineal was once so valuable in colonial trade that it was second only to silver in exports from the Americas. The Aztecs and Maya used it for textiles, ritual objects, and manuscripts, and it remains one of the most lightfast natural red dyes.

Main dye compound: Carminic acid (Cochineal) (E120)
CI Natural Red 4
Part used: Whole insect
Origin: Peru, sustainable and fair-trade farm

Shading Tips

Wool (no mordant) → bright reds and pinks
Alum (protein fibers) → crimson to magenta
Tannin + alum (cellulose fibers) → rich bluish reds
Cream of tartar (acidic bath) → pushes bath toward scarlet, intensifies reds
Iron → deep purples, browns, and blackened reds
Overdye with indigo → violets and plums

WOF: 10–20% for medium to strong shades

Mordanting:
– Wool can be dyed without mordant
– Alum recommended for silk, cotton, and other fibers
– Tannin + alum gives improved results on cellulose

Preparation:
– Best results when insects are ground before use
– Simmer in water for dye extraction; strain before adding fibers

Dyeing methods: Hot dyeing preferred; compatible with Low Impact Method

Lightfastness: Very good

Storage: Packed in resealable zip bags for freshness

100% natural dye from insects (Dactylopius coccus).
Approved as a food and cosmetic colorant (E120, CI Natural Red 4) under international standards.
Safe for use in foods, body care, and textiles.
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals — always test before cosmetic use.
Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.