Cochineal – Lanzarote’s Natural Red Dye

A Colour that Travelled the World

Between 1840 and 1870, shiploads of dry cochineal left Arrecife for the silk mills of Lyon and the carpet factories of London. Before synthetic dyes, cochineal’s carmine was status and power – from royal robes to artists’ palettes.

From Cactus to Carmine

Farmers gently brush the insects from the cactus, sun‑dry them and grind the bodies into a purple powder. Heat and a dash of acid unlock the scarlet hue. The process is chemical‑free, biodegradable and still done almost entirely by hand.

Craft Revival

Today, cochineal is making a quiet comeback. Natural cosmetics, gourmet food colouring and artisan textiles prize its purity. At Centro de Artesanía, we collaborate with local dyers and papermakers who bring this historic pigment into contemporary design.

Sustainability & Future

Prickly pears thrive in arid soil, require little irrigation and protect traditional terraced landscapes. Guided tours and dye workshops invite visitors to witness how a microscopic insect powers a crimson legacy – proof that creativity can bloom even in volcanic dust.