2621. Purified Annotto

2621.    Purified Annotto. To a boiling solution of pearlash add as much annotto as it will dissolve. When cold, decant the clear solution, and neutralize with diluted sulphuric acid, avoiding any excess. "Wash the precipitate with a little cold water, and dry it.

2622. Solution of Annotto

2622.    Solution of Annotto. Boil equal •Weights of annotto and pearlash with water, and dilute to the required color.

2623. Cochineal Coloring

2623.      Cochineal Coloring. Take 1 ounce each powered cochineal, carbonate of potash, hi tartrate of potash, and alum; boil these in a glazed vessel with 7 ounces water and 1 ounce spirit of wine, until effervescence ceases (about 10 minutes). In this liquid dissolve an equal weight of refined sugar by means of sufficient heat, and set aside for use. This coloring remains bright for any length of time, does not throw down any precipitate, and is almost unalterable by contact with either acids or alkalies, which is no small advantage. Dickson's coloring has some disadvantages in the large quantity of spirit and the delicacy of the ammonia tint. The first would have a tendency to cause a cloudy appearance in bright jellies and other preparations containing gelatine, and the ammonia color would be liable to be completely changed when brought in contact with lemon juice, baked pears, and other acids met with in the many culinary purposes for which the article is largely used.

2624. Dickson's Cochineal Coloring

2624.    Dickson's Cochineal Coloring. Mix together 2 ounces spirit of wine and 6 ounces water. In 3 ounces of this mixture infuse 1 ounce powdered cochineal for 15 minutes, in a flask heated to nearly boiling point. Pour the infusion into another vessel, and repeat the process with 3 ounces more of the mixed spirit and water; and a third time, with the remaining 2 ounces. Let the liquid stand till cold, when some fatty matter will rise to the surface; filter, adding spirit and water, up to eight fluid ounces. Lastly, add sufficient strong water of ammonia to change the infusion to the desired tint. The coloring is thus prepared without carbonate of potash, alum, etc., and is free from the objections that attach to the coloring obtained by the aid of those substances. (See last receipt.) These objections are:—1st, the coloring matter is thrown down as a lake, and after some time forms a layer at the bottom of the containing vessel, requiring the addition of ammonia to re-dissolve and keep it in solution; and - 2d, it does not keep well. On the other hand, the advantages of Dickson's preparation are :- 1st, the coloring-matter remains in solution, and - 2d, it keeps well, and has no unpleasant odor.

2625. Cochineal Coloring

2625.     Cochineal Coloring. Macerate 1 ounce best carmine in 6 ounces strong solution of ammonia, until it is dissolved. Heat gently to drive off excess of ammonia, taking care not to carry it too far, so as to precipitate the carmine. Put into a quart wine bottle, and add 4 ounces rectified spirit and 3 pounds white sugar. Pill up with warm water, and shake until the sugar is dissolved. This is a splendid coloring.