It is a kind of natural edible pigment extracted from rubiaceous plant gardenia fruit. The main compositions are crocin and cricetin of series of carotinoid pigment. The powder color from primrose to scarlet is soluble in water, but insoluble in oil and absolute alcohol. The environment PH value has little influence on its hue. At PH 2.0-6.0, it becomes a little unstable; at PH 7.0 or above, it is stable.it can be used in the coloring of wine, beverage, juice drink, jam, jelly, candy, cakes, ice-cream, pastry, and puffed food.