1. Provides natural blue pigmentation, offering a bright and stable hue, which can replace synthetic blue colorants.
2. Exhibits certain antioxidant activity, helping to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, though its antioxidant capacity is relatively weaker compared to some natural antioxidants like anthocyanins.
3. Has good stability in the pH range of 4-8, maintaining its blue shade without significant color change. It is also heat-resistant, able to withstand heating at 120°C for 60 minutes without fading. However, it has poor light resistance and may fade under long-term light exposure.
4. Demonstrates good water solubility, easily dispersing in aqueous food systems such as water, ethanol solution, and propylene glycol solution, and it is insoluble in organic solvents. It has a stronger dyeing ability to proteins than to starches.
