The Cochinilla-natural dyes-historical Canarian products

The prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) or also known as prickly pears or nopals comes from America. It is estimated that it was introduced in Spain in the sixteenth century. In Lanzarote they are planted covered with a layer of volcanic ash (rofe or picón), and today the greatest concentration of this culture is found in the Canary Islands in Lanzarote, in the cities of Guatiza and Mala. The cochineal is one of the most sought-after dyes in history, which refers to the wealthiest classes, the nobility, the high clergy and is used today in textiles, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or food. What is the cochineal? It is an insect that is deliberately placed on the stem of the tunera and, with its growth, penetrates the plant in a controlled manner by the farmer. Thousands of insects are needed to produce one kilo of cochineal, a handiwork of the Lanzarote farmer. The cochineal is the natural coloring agent carminic acid or E-120, which is used today in food, textiles and cosmetics. The European Union recognizes the island’s cochineal because of its properties and quality as a designation of origin of the Canary Islands. History The Indians called it “nochetztli”, which means “cactus blood” and was used by the pre-Hispanics in America. It was in 1520 when it became known to Europeans and began to be marketed by the Spanish Empire, which became the second most important export product after silver. In 1820 the cochineal came from Veracruz, Mexico, via Cadiz to Spain, then under the rule of Ferdinand VII. Years later, the oidium plague destroyed the highly valued Malvasia wine of the Canary Islands, and the farmers picked the vines to grow nopal cacti and produce the cochineal harvest. In Peru, today’s maximum producer, the Spaniards created several agricultural areas for its exploitation, and this dye was a great success in England, France and Holland and was used in painting, sculpture and other arts. Kings, cardinals, high generals and masters of painting like Velazquez, El Greco, Goya, Tintoretto, Canaletto, Rubens, Rembrandt or Van Cogh used it. She came to Asia and China and dyed Persian carpets or silk. Red became the favorite color of the most powerful races and was used practically all over the world. In 1856, William Perkins invented the first synthetic dye that was obtained by the oxidation of aniline, producing violet colors that were the most difficult and the most requested by the royalty. Production has been reactivated in recent years, and recently the Koschenille interpretation center was opened in the village of Mala, Lanzarote. Before the Koschenille, the Canary Islands lived from the orchilla, a lichen that grows in coastal areas and from which a purple color was obtained, which was highly valued in European countries. Use The abundant Opuntia Ficus Indica or prickly pear cactus grows on little fertile soil with little water. Their fruits were of great importance for the nutrition of generations of canaries. Its cultivation is also associated with the cochineal (Dactylopius coccus), the insect from which the red carmine dye is obtained, which is widely used in foods, cosmetics and natural dyes. There are varieties with orange, red and deep purple flesh. It contains a large amount of vitamin C and high concentrations of minerals. For the skin it offers great hydration and repair power, particularly suitable for dry skin that is exposed to the sun. It has antioxidant, rejuvenating and softening properties.