Using Beetroot as a dye

Betanin, obtained from the roots of beetroot, is used industrially as red food colourants, e.g. to improve the colour of tomato paste, sauces, desserts, jams and jellies, ice cream, sweets and breakfast cereals.

Within older bulbs of beetroot, the colour is a deep crimson and the flesh is much softer.

Beetroot dye may also be used in ink.

Betanin is not broken down in the body, and in higher concentration can temporarily cause urine (termed beeturia) and stool to assume a reddish color.

• This effect can cause distress and concern due to the visual similarity to bloody stools or urine, but is completely harmless and will subside once the food is out of the system.