Janoschka magazine Linked_V5_2020

issue #5 ©
l i n k e d
17
The Incas and the Aztecs also valued the intensive
luminescence of the dye and considered it a luxury.
Subjects paid their tribute to their ruler, Montezuma,
in sacks containing millions of dried cochineal
beetles. In 1519, cochineal caught the attention
of the Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés at one of
Mexico’s largest markets.
The conquistadores immediately shipped it to
Europe. Never before had the Old World seen a
brighter or richer red. The cochineal beetle soon
became one of Spain’s main exports and the Kingdom
of Spain made a fortune with its monopoly on
the dye. In order not to reveal its origin, they called
it grana (grain) cochineal or else claimed that it was
actually a vegetable.
The British, French, Dutch and other Europeans
tried desperately to solve the mystery of this precious
red, and even attempted to kidnap the beetle.
The rest is history: as well as serving as a clothing
dye the perfect scarlet red of carmine proved
to be perfect for the lips of prostitutes; and to
this day it is used as colouring in cocktails (e.g.
Campari), sausages, sweets, fruit juice, jam and
even medicines.
Dried cochineal beetles
resemble grains or berries.
Prickly pear plantation for
cultivating the dye. The cactus
leaves are "vaccinated” with
mother beetles. For the cactus
the beetle is a parasite that lives
by sucking its juice.