Meet the Bug You Didn't Know You Were Eating | Deep Look

Deep Look May 7, 2024
Video Thumbnail

About

No channel description available.

Video Description

The cochineal is a tiny insect deeply rooted in the history of Oaxaca, Mexico. Female cochineals spend most of their lives with their heads buried in juicy cactus pads, eating and growing. After cochineals die, their legacy lives on in the brilliant red hue produced by their hemolymph. Dyes made from cochineal have been used in textiles, paintings, and even in your food! https://www.youtube.com/user/kqeddeeplook?sub_confirmation=1 Please join our community on PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/deeplook DEEP LOOK is an ultra-HD (4K) short video series created by KQED in San Francisco and presented by PBS Digital Studios. See the unseen at the very edge of our visible world. Explore big scientific mysteries by going incredibly small. — The cochineal, a tiny insect deeply rooted in the history of Oaxaca, Mexico, is known for the vibrant crimson color it produces. This color comes from carminic acid in its hemolymph, a fluid equivalent to blood in other organisms. As nymphs, cochineals search for a spot on cactus pads to feed and settle in. They quickly develop a protective white wax coating to shield themselves from the hot sun. Once a female cochineal finds a perfect spot, she attaches permanently, living there for the rest of her life. Indigenous people in Mexico have been harvesting cochineals by brushing them off cacti and sun-drying them long before the Spanish arrived in the 1500s. By the 1700s, their pigment was as valuable as silver, establishing cochineals as a prized global commodity. In Oaxaca, weavers continue to use cochineal dye. They grind dried cochineal on a metate, dissolve the powder in boiling water to dye wool, and then weave the dyed wool into stunning designs on a loom. Dyes made from cochineal have been used in textiles, paintings, and even in your food as a natural alternative to artificial dyes. --- Which types of food contain cochineal? Cochineal can be found in some brands of candies, ice cream, beverages, yogurt, fish and meat. Allergies to cochineal are possible but rare. --- Where is cochineal found? Today, Peru is the largest commercial producer of the cochineal, followed by Mexico. This insect is also found in other parts of South America, the Canary Islands, and the southwestern United States. Additionally, the cochineal was introduced to countries like Ethiopia and South Africa, where it became a pest. --- Besides red, what other colors are made from cochineal? Cochineals are a natural way of obtaining brilliant reds, pinks, oranges and purples. ---+ Find additional resources and a transcript on KQED Science: https://www.kqed.org/science/1992430/meet-the-bug-you-didnt-know-you-were-eating ---+ More Great Deep Look episodes: Silkworms Spin Cocoons That Spell Their Own Doom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgavTIBQ_Z0 Watch Ladybugs Go From Goth to Glam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCFUk4f3zXw The Ladybug Love-In: A Valentine's Special https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Z6xRexbIU Why Did the Mexican Jumping Bean Jump? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lkdidU79TY&t=25s You'd Never Guess What an Acorn Woodpecker Eats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvPaiDX_3JM ---+ Shoutout! 🏆Congratulations🏆 to @Chris06660 on our Deep Look Community Tab for correctly answering our GIF challenge! https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxeDI-wAisgVg4iuY7rAiZDQKyTuSALk74 ---+ Thank you to our Top Patreon Supporters ($10+ per month)! Kevin Sholar Burt Humburg Max Paladino Daisuke Goto Karen Reynolds Chris B Emrick Companion Cube David Deshpande Wade Tregaskis Laurel Przybylski Cristen Rasmussen Adam Cleaver Kevin William Walker hoxtom Mark Jobes Carrie Mukaida El Samuels Walter Tschinkel Dot Joan Klivans Cho Minsung Jessica Hiraoka Bethany Noreen Herrington Louis O'Neill Elizabeth Ann Ditz HMA Levi Cai J Schumacher Drspaceman0 R B Roberta K Wright BulletproofFrog Titania Juang Jennifer Altschuler Jellyman Mehdi SueEllen McCann KW STEPHANIE DOLE MrBeeMovie xkyoirre Smoulder the Dragon Jeremiah Sullivan The Mighty X wormy boi Marco Narajos ---+ Follow Deep Look and KQED Science on social: https://www.tiktok.com/@deeplookofficial https://www.patreon.com/deeplook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kqedscience/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kqedscience ---+ About KQED KQED, an NPR and PBS member station in San Francisco, serves Northern California and beyond with a public-supported alternative to commercial TV, radio and web media. Funding for Deep Look is provided in part by PBS Digital Studios and the members of KQED. #cochineal #carmine #oaxaca

You May Also Like

Upgrade Your iPhone Experience

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
VANMASS [85+LBS Strongest Suction & Clip] 2025 Upgrade Car Phone Holder [Patent & Safety Certs] Cell Phone Mount Truck Stand for Dashboard Windshield Vent for iPhone 16 Pro Max 15 14 13 12 Samsung

VANMASS [85+LBS Strongest Suction & Clip] 2025 Upgrade Car Phone Holder [Patent & Safety Certs] Cell Phone Mount Truck Stand for Dashboard Windshield Vent for iPhone 16 Pro Max 15 14 13 12 Samsung

(54,882)
$32.25
FREE delivery Mon, Aug 25 on your first order
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
iPhone Charger Fast Charging [Apple MFi Certified] USB C to Lightning Cable 6FT USBC to Lightning Cable Nylon Braided Type C Cord for iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XR XS X 8 7 6 Plus SE, iPad

iPhone Charger Fast Charging [Apple MFi Certified] USB C to Lightning Cable 6FT USBC to Lightning Cable Nylon Braided Type C Cord for iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XR XS X 8 7 6 Plus SE, iPad

(4,036)
$8.99
FREE delivery Sun, Jun 29 on your first order
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
iPhone Charger [Apple MFi Certified] 3FT, 3Pack USB A to Lightning Cable Braided Fast Charging Apple Cord Compatible with iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X 8 7 6 5 Plus iPad/iPod/AirPods

iPhone Charger [Apple MFi Certified] 3FT, 3Pack USB A to Lightning Cable Braided Fast Charging Apple Cord Compatible with iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X 8 7 6 5 Plus iPad/iPod/AirPods

(5,626)
$17.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
2Pack 10ft iPhone Charger 90 Degree Lightning Cable Right Angle Long USB Charging Cord Compatible with Apple iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X 8 7 6 5 Plus iPad iPod

2Pack 10ft iPhone Charger 90 Degree Lightning Cable Right Angle Long USB Charging Cord Compatible with Apple iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X 8 7 6 5 Plus iPad iPod

(2,193)
$14.24
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
400+ bought in past month
Loading...
Magnetic Wireless Charger for iPhone - 3 in 1 Mag-Safe Charging Station for Multiple Devices Apple - Charger Stand Dock for Apple Watch iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Pro Max Plus Airpods

Magnetic Wireless Charger for iPhone - 3 in 1 Mag-Safe Charging Station for Multiple Devices Apple - Charger Stand Dock for Apple Watch iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Pro Max Plus Airpods

(750)
$59.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
4-in-1 Wireless Magnetic Power Bank 10800mAh Portable Charger with iWatch Charger, QC4.0+20W PD Fast Charging USB C Battery Pack for Magsafe, iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series, Apple Watch etc. (White)

4-in-1 Wireless Magnetic Power Bank 10800mAh Portable Charger with iWatch Charger, QC4.0+20W PD Fast Charging USB C Battery Pack for Magsafe, iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series, Apple Watch etc. (White)

(581)
$42.95
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
eazpower for Magsafe Power Bank 10000mAh, Magnetic Battery Pack Wireless, 20W PD Fast Charging, Compact Portable Charger with Built-in Cables and Stand for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/ Apple Watch/Airpods

eazpower for Magsafe Power Bank 10000mAh, Magnetic Battery Pack Wireless, 20W PD Fast Charging, Compact Portable Charger with Built-in Cables and Stand for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/ Apple Watch/Airpods

(330)
$39.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
200+ bought in past month
Loading...
Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1) with 4K HDMI Display, 5Gbps - and 2 5Gbps USB-A Data Ports and for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell XPS, Lenovo Thinkpad, HP Laptops and More

Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1) with 4K HDMI Display, 5Gbps - and 2 5Gbps USB-A Data Ports and for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell XPS, Lenovo Thinkpad, HP Laptops and More

(11,639)
$23.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Spigen Case for Galaxy S25 Case, Tough Armor (Ai) MagFit [Wireless Charging] Compatible with MagSafe - Black

Spigen Case for Galaxy S25 Case, Tough Armor (Ai) MagFit [Wireless Charging] Compatible with MagSafe - Black

(2,126)
$28.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Case, Tough Armor Designed for Apple iPhone 16 - Black

Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Case, Tough Armor Designed for Apple iPhone 16 - Black

(126)
$22.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Pro Case, Tough Armor [MagFit] Compatible with MagSafe - Black

Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Pro Case, Tough Armor [MagFit] Compatible with MagSafe - Black

(341)
$32.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
Loading...
Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Plus Case, Tough Armor (AI) [MagFit] Compatible with MagSafe - Black

Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Plus Case, Tough Armor (AI) [MagFit] Compatible with MagSafe - Black

(818)
$29.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
Loading...
JoyGeek 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Station for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series & Apple Watch Ultra 2/SE; 360° Adjustable Phone Stand with 18W Adapter, Compatible with AirPods Pro/3/2 Recycled Claim Standard Blended

JoyGeek 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Station for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series & Apple Watch Ultra 2/SE; 360° Adjustable Phone Stand with 18W Adapter, Compatible with AirPods Pro/3/2 Recycled Claim Standard Blended

(959)
$19.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
Loading...
Wireless Charging Case for AirPods Pro 1st / 2nd Gen with Type-C Charging Port, Compatible with AirPod Pro 2nd Generation Replacement Case, with Blue-Tooth Sync Button, No Earbuds

Wireless Charging Case for AirPods Pro 1st / 2nd Gen with Type-C Charging Port, Compatible with AirPod Pro 2nd Generation Replacement Case, with Blue-Tooth Sync Button, No Earbuds

(15)
$42.98
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
Cleaner Kit for Airpods Pro 1 2 3 Multi-Function Cleaning Pen with Soft Brush Flocking Sponge for Bluetooth Earphones Case Cleaning Tools White
Best Seller

Cleaner Kit for Airpods Pro 1 2 3 Multi-Function Cleaning Pen with Soft Brush Flocking Sponge for Bluetooth Earphones Case Cleaning Tools White

(9,766)
$9.89
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

(26,678)
$259.99$194.99
FREE delivery Wed, Aug 20
5K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Charger, 3 in 1 Charging Station, Fast Charging Station Foldable Charging Stand, Wireless Charging Station for Multiple Devices, Compatible with lPhone 17/16/15/14/13 Pro Max Airpods Watch

Wireless Charger, 3 in 1 Charging Station, Fast Charging Station Foldable Charging Stand, Wireless Charging Station for Multiple Devices, Compatible with lPhone 17/16/15/14/13 Pro Max Airpods Watch

(156)
$25.64
FREE delivery Wed, Dec 24 on your first order
3K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Metapen Air 8 Apple Pencil for iPad 2018-2025, 20H Battry Life, 2Min Fast Charging, Palm Rejection, Stylus Pen for iPad 11/10/9/8/7/6th, iPad Pro 12.9/11/13“M4, iPad Air 3/4/5/6/M2/M3, iPad mini 5/6

Metapen Air 8 Apple Pencil for iPad 2018-2025, 20H Battry Life, 2Min Fast Charging, Palm Rejection, Stylus Pen for iPad 11/10/9/8/7/6th, iPad Pro 12.9/11/13“M4, iPad Air 3/4/5/6/M2/M3, iPad mini 5/6

(1,985)
$14.22
FREE delivery Tue, Sep 9 on your first order
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones with Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life, Moonlight Grey - Limited Edition

Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones with Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life, Moonlight Grey - Limited Edition

(12,251)
$269.00
FREE delivery Tue, Oct 14