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Cochineal scale insect destroys many prickly pear type cacti here in the Southwest. Here's what it looks like and the damage it does if you're interested. cochineal bug, - Google Search
Cochineal is a very old natural dye that has been used for centuries. The Brits used it to dye their military coats red.
"The Redcoats are coming!!!"
However, I didn't know it was approved for use as a food coloring. Interesting factoid, Joy.
I did one browsing click on "beetle juice" and found:
As stomach-turning as it may sound, the ingredient is in fact harmless. Commonly used to help liven up the dull hues of jams, meats, cheese, baked goods, alcoholic drinks and more, cochineal extract has been used as a colouring agent in food and drinks for centuries.
It has been deemed safe by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration.
So probably everything in our kitchen that looks pinkish is loaded with COCHINEAL!
I read it, didnt thing about it much until somebody posted a pic of said beetle... EWWWW I dont know Ill ever be able to think about Starbucks without seeing a pic of that beetle in my head LOL
Cochineal and its close cousin carmine (also known as carminic acid) are derived from the crushed carcasses of a particular South and Central American insect.
I sometimes get the white mocha coffee drink from Starbucks. Maybe I should check and see which insect it features.
I believe it is the grub worm
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