What water-soluble pigments give red and purple produce, including the Red Wing variety of onion, its vibrant color?
Answer
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are the specific compounds responsible for the vibrant red and purple coloration seen in produce like the Red Wing onion variety. These molecules are water-soluble pigments. Beyond their role in aesthetics, anthocyanins are highly valued in nutrition due to their strong antioxidant activity, which assists the body in neutralizing harmful free radicals. In red onions specifically, their presence contributes to an extra layer of antioxidant protection compared to varieties lacking these pigments, such as white onions.
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