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Also known as: Ratanjot, Dyer’s Bugloss, Spanish Bugloss, Orchanet.
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Scientific name: Alkanna tinctoria (A herbaceous plant in the borage family, native to the Mediterranean and North India).
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What it’s known for: Its deep purplish-red bark which contains alkannin, a natural oil-soluble pigment. It is world-famous for giving the signature red hue to the traditional dish Rogan Josh.
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How to prepare: The root must be heated or infused in oil, ghee, or alcohol to release its color. It will not color plain water.
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How it’s used: A staple in Indian culinary arts for natural food coloring; widely used in heritage beauty for making red-tinted hair oils, lip balms, and artisanal soaps.
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Quality profile: Authentic, thick, and brittle whole roots with an easily separable dark-red bark, ensuring a high concentration of natural pigment.
