Studies into the betalain patterns, free amino compound profiles, and functional properties of betalains in fruits, vegetables, and flowers

The increasing demand in the market segment for natural pigments, especially for colouring foodstuffs, is reflected by high growth rates. This development may be explained by the growing health-consciousness amongst consumers and the increasing disapproval of synthetic dyestuffs. The aloofness towards the latter is inter alia due to the fact that azo pigments were descredited in the past because of their alleged potential to induce cancer. Besides, still today some azo pigments are associated with pseudo-allergic reactions as well as the occurence of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.