Safflower concentrate (Carthamus tinctorius)

Safflower concentrate is a natural colourant derived from the flowers of Carthamus tinctorius, an annual plant in the Asteraceae family native to the Middle East and now cultivated across many temperate regions. Extraction from dried petals yields an intense red-orange pigment, primarily composed of carthamin, which has been used since antiquity to dye textiles and foods. In the food industry, this concentrate is valued as a plant-based alternative to synthetic colourants. It contributes to warm, stable hues in food preparations without altering the taste or smell of the finished product. Its natural composition makes it a consistent choice for formulations that prioritise ingredient quality. In dietary supplements, safflower concentrate is primarily used as a natural-origin colouring agent to standardise the visual appearance of capsules or tablets. Its use avoids reliance on artificial dyes while ensuring a uniform and recognisable presentation of the product.