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- USA
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Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 10 - Jul 15
For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15
Description
Cochineal Whole Dried Bugs (Dactylopius coccus) organicAlso 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 1922% 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
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
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy