Fungus carotene
The fundamentals
Produces shades:
Latin name: Blakeslea trispora
Pigment: Beta-carotene
E-number: E-160a (iii)
3 facts about fungus carotene
Fungus carotene from Blakeslea trispora produces almost pure beta-carotene compared to other natural sources. 94% of it's carotenoid production is beta-carotene, compared to 50% from orange carrot and 65% from palm fruit.
The fungus needs time to accumulate pigment in its growth cycle. Therefore an optimal fermentation media is a combination of glucose for fast growth and slowly metabolized nutrients like soybean oil.
Blakeslea trispora can convert waste products from, for example, beet, soy, corn and citrus production to valuable food ingredients.
How fungus carotene is grown
Fungus carotene is obtained by a fermentation process using two natural strains of Blakeslea trispora, a plus and a minus.
The production cycle is about a week, and the fermentation takes place in large, stainless-steel vats. After it is extracted, the beta-carotene is crystallized.
Fungus carrot harvest calendar and growing areas
Fungus carotene production is not dependent on season or geography.
What you should know about beta-carotene from fungus carotene
Oterra's stable, industry-leading formulations allow you to benefit from all of the advantages of fungus carotene as a natural food color while minimizing any intrinsic challenges associated with this product.
Beta-carotene is naturally oil soluble.
It can be emulsified to become water dispersible.
Natural Strengths
Good heat stability
Unaffected by pH
Produces various shades depending on formulation and dosage
Natural Challenges
Cloudy in some formulations
Requires ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in high-water activity applications
