Grinding the Cochineal Beetles

It was amazing that once you ground these beetles and mixed it with water you had a lovely red colour. Add some lemon juice and the colour changes. Add baking soda and more colours.

Oaxaca

August 18th 2007
Saturday 18th August We had packed the day before, worked out a timetable & route to get to the train and were ready to go! We woke up early, showered and went out for breakfast at Cafe Popular next door. Good food at a decent price. As we left the hotel we stopped at the opposite corner & took one last look and a picture. Both of us were looking forward to a quieter environment. We made ou ... read more

North America » Mexico » Oaxaca » Oaxaca

The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. A devaluation of the peso in late 1994 threw Mexico into economic turmoil, triggering the worst... ... read more

24th October 2013

Susan Duncan
non-member comment

Thank you from The Benjamin School library
This image of the woman grinding the cochineal beetles is very helpful in our studies of Spanish Colonial culture in Florida and the Old and New World trade routes. Cochineal was an important commodity to the European aristocracy who favored red fabric dyes.

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