There are many naturally occurring pink things in the world. Pink is a color that evokes feelings of love, femininity, and childhood. While the color pink can be produced synthetically, there are several items in nature that contain natural pigments resulting in a pink hue. In this article, we will explore some of the most common naturally pink things and learn why they exhibit this unique coloration.
Flamingos
One of the most iconic naturally pink animals is the flamingo. Flamingos get their distinctive pink color from their diet, which is rich in carotenoid pigments. Carotenoids are natural plant pigments that also provide the orange color in carrots and the red color in tomatoes. Flamingos mostly eat algae and crustaceans that contain high levels of carotenoids. As flamingos digest their food, the pigments are deposited into their feathers, skin, and legs, resulting in their pink coloration.
The specific carotenoids that cause flamingo’s pinkness are canthaxanthin and astaxanthin. Without sufficient carotenoid intake, flamingos would actually appear white or grey. That’s why flamingos in captivity are sometimes fed carotenoid supplements to maintain their vivid pinkness. In the wild, the intensity of a flamingo’s color depends on their diet and is also influenced by age, health, and breeding status. More intense pink indicates a healthy flamingo.
Pink Star Apple
The pink star apple is a fruit that grows in tropical regions. Its scientific name is Chrysophyllum cainito. The outside of the fruit is pink to magenta when ripe. Inside, the flesh ranges from cream to light pink in color. The pink star apple is indigenous to the Caribbean but is now cultivated in many tropical areas.
The pink color of the star apple’s skin and flesh comes from the anthocyanin pigments present in the fruit. Anthocyanins belong to the larger class of polyphenols, which are antioxidants found in many plant foods. In addition to giving color, anthocyanins are thought to offer health benefits through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Pink Peppercorns
Pink peppercorns come from the Baies roses plant, which is native to certain islands in the Caribbean. Despite their name, pink peppercorns are not related to black pepper. Instead, they come from the Peruvian pepper tree, Schinus molle.
When dried, the berries of this tree turn pink or pinkish-red in color. This color comes from the carotenoid pigments present in the fruit’s outer layer. In their dried form, pink peppercorns have a delicate, fruity aroma and a slightly sweet but also spicy flavor. They are used as a seasoning in certain cuisines.
In terms of health benefits, research shows pink peppercorns are rich in antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties. The pigments may also have anti-inflammatory effects. However, pink peppercorns can sometimes cause allergic reactions similar to other tree nuts and fruits.
Pink Sand Beaches
You may be lucky enough to visit a beach with sand in shades of pale pink, pink, and even deep red. These sand beaches occur in some tropical destinations like the Bahamas and Hawaii. But what makes the sand pink?
The color comes from the shells and skeletal fragments of tiny sea creatures and corals within the sand. These organisms produce natural pigments like carotenoids for their coloration. As the shells and corals break down over time, the pigments are released and absorbed by the sand grains. Shelled creatures that contribute to pink sand include foraminifera, coralline algae, and sponge spicules.
The specific mix of organisms and pigments determines the exact hue, which can range from light pink to ruby red. While mostly mineral-based, the organic pigments provide both the color and health benefits of pink sand’s antioxidant properties. This gives pink sand its unique advantage over other sand colors.
Pink Grapefruit
Pink and red grapefruits get their distinctive color from lycopene, the same carotenoid pigment that makes tomatoes red. Lycopene concentration increases as grapefruit mature, resulting in a deeper pink or red interior flesh. Along with beta-carotene, lycopene is one of the main carotenoids found in grapefruit.
Red and pink grapefruits are sweeter in taste compared to the more sour yellow varieties. However, the red/pink varieties are less common. Most grapefruits, even those labeled as “red”, still have some yellow coloration. Truly pink grapefruits without any yellow only occur as Ruby Red and Rio Red varietals.
As an antioxidant, lycopene may offer protection against cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration. However, more research is needed. Eating red/pink grapefruit provides your daily dose of vitamin C along with this special carotenoid.
Pink Pineapples
Most pineapples are golden yellow in color, but several unique varieties have pink to reddish flesh. These pink pineapples occur both naturally and through cross breeding. Most famous is the Pink Pineapple from Hawaii, which has a bright pink interior and exterior.
The pink color develops from the antioxidant betacyanin, which is a type of betalain pigment. Two other red-orange betalain pigments, indicaxanthin and betanin, are also present. These pigments have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer abilities according to research.
Other pink pineapple varietals include the Pinkglow and the Manila Pink from the Philippines. Pink pineapples tend to be sweeter due to a lower acid content. Their juicy texture and tropical aroma also enhance their eating experience.
Pink Lady Apples
Pink Lady is a trademarked brand of apples scientifically known as Cripps Pink. They were developed in Australia in the 1970s by cross-breeding the Golden Delicious and Lady Williams apple breeds. Pink Lady apples have a distinctive pinkish-red blush over a light green to yellow background.
Inside, the flesh is crisp and creamy white in color. The rosy skin comes from the natural plant pigment anthocyanin, which also provides antioxidant benefits. In terms of nutrition, Pink Lady apples contain a significant amount of vitamin C, polyphenols, potassium, and pectin fiber.
Pink Lady apples are prized for their sweet-tart taste, floral aroma, and crisp juicy crunch. They require special growing conditions and harvesting techniques, making them a premium apple. While other “pink” apples exist, the Pink Lady brand has the deepest pink coloration.
Pink Gin
Pink gin gets its signature rosy hue from adding a dash of bitters, traditionally Angostura bitters. While traditional gin is clear, the bitters contain gentian root and other ingredients that provide a pinkish color. The amount of Angostura bitters added to the gin determines how light pink or deep red the final drink becomes.
In terms of taste, bitters add complexity and herbal, bitter notes to the botanical juniper flavors of gin. The end result is a pink cocktail with a sophisticated, complex profile balancing sweet, floral, spicy, and bitter tastes. Beyond Angostura, other aromatized bitters can be used to make a pink gin drink.
The pink gin cocktail traces its origins to the British Royal Navy. It was invented as a way to make the sailors’ daily gin ration more palatable by improving the flavor. While the gin rationing ended long ago, the “pink gin” lives on as a popular cocktail still enjoyed today.
Pink Salt
Pink salt refers to several seasonings that get their color from natural mineral pigments. The most famous example is Himalayan pink salt. It comes from salt mines 5000 feet deep in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Trace elements like magnesium and calcium react with the sodium chloride to give Himalayan pink salt its signature rosy hue.
Another type is Peruvian pink salt from ancient sea beds in South America. This salt contains natural iron oxide which provides its pale pink color. Pink salts may also get their tint from red algae or bacteria high in carotenoids. In all cases, the pink color comes from these natural, beneficial minerals and not artificial additives.
Compared to common table salt, pink salt has a complex flavor profile and a softer texture. The minerals add subtle sweet and earthy flavors. Many people use pink salt for cooking, baking, and preparing other foods. Decorative pink salt blocks are also popular.
Pink Dolphins
Certain species of freshwater river dolphin have a natural pink coloration. The most well-known is the Amazon pink river dolphin found in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America. Its scientific name is Inia geoffrensis.
The Amazon pink dolphin has a distinctive bubble gum color due to blood capillaries near the surface of their skin. Their color can range from light pink to bright pink. Sunburn easily damages their skin, so the dolphins stay underwater when possible and change their swimming direction often to avoid too much light exposure.
Two other pink freshwater dolphin species exist. The Chinese river dolphin or “baiji” lives in the Yangtze River in China. The La Plata dolphin inhabits rivers in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. Both are endangered species. Pink dolphins feed on river fish, crabs and turtles. Their pink color helps them blend into the diffused light of their aquatic environments.
Dragon’s Blood Tree
The dragon’s blood tree gets its name from its dark red resin, known as “dragon’s blood.” The unusual trees belong to the Dracaena genus and grow across the arid Socotra archipelago off the coast of Yemen as well as Morocco’s Canary Islands.
Beyond the red sap, the dragon’s blood tree has bright pink flowers that grow in clusters at the ends of its branches. The flowers only bloom once the tree matures, typically 30-50 years old. The pink flowers attract birds for pollination before later developing into berries.
In addition to pink flowers, the tree’s bark also appears pink and exfoliates in reddish-pink chunks. The dragon’s blood tree prefers arid climates and can survive extended drought conditions. These unusual pitcher plants have adapted to their harsh desert environments in both form and color.
Pink Lakes
Certain bodies of water around the world appear pink or purple in color due to the presence of algae that create reddish pigments. For example, the pink lakes at Murray Sunset National Park in Australia get their color from salt-loving microorganisms called halobacteria. These halophile microbes produce natural pink and red carotenoid pigments as part of their metabolism.
Other pink lakes include Dusty Rose Lake in British Columbia, Lake Retba in Senegal, and Tippsy Lake in Canada. Certain algae species like Dunaliella salina contain beta-carotene and other carotenoids that dye the waters. However the exact hue depends on the pigments produced by each unique algae population. Some pink lakes even shift color based on seasons and conditions.
While their appearance may seem delicate, pink lake water remains undrinkable for humans due to the high salinity. The pink and purple hues make for excellent photographs. The unusual coloration arises through each lake’s unique combination of microorganisms, minerals, and environmental conditions.
Pink Coral
Several species of coral exhibit a pink or pinkish-orange hue, most commonly from the genus Porites. Pink Porites corals get their rosy color from pink chromatophore pigments they produce through photosynthesis. Species include Porites porites (finger coral) which forms large round colonies, and Porites astreoides (mustard hill coral) which grows in a more lumpy formation.
Beyond Porites, other corals develop pink shades based on their unique carotenoid pigments. Some examples are Pulau Hantu Pink from Singapore, Pagoda coral, Pacific rose coral, and Oulophyllia crispa whose name means “cauliflower coral.” The depth, available light, and algae present influence the hues.
Pink corals grow slowly at around 0.3 to 2 inches per year. Their pale color results from adaptations to tropical light conditions. Pink corals play a crucial role in reef ecosystems by providing food, shelter and structural habitats for many species.
Pink Mushrooms
Though less common than red or brown varieties, some wild mushroom species naturally develop pink coloration.
One example is the pink bottoms mushroom (Tricholomopsis rutilans), which forms large caps that are yellow on top and pinkish-red below. It turns pink due to acids that break down its pigments during maturation.
Others include:
- The pink-gilled entoloma, which has rosy gills underneath its conical cap.
- The salmon unicorn, an inedible mushroom that starts out grey and turns pinkish-orange.
- Chlorophyllum rhoades, whose poisonous pink-red caps and white stems resemble edible straw mushrooms.
Even highly sought morel mushrooms can have pink varieties. The pigments are influenced by factors like age, environment, and sunlight exposure during growth. While the origins of pink mushroom coloration is still being studied, extracts have shown antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials.
Conclusion
In nature, pink coloration comes from a variety of water-soluble plant pigments like carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalains. The inherent pink and red hues provide ecological benefits like attracting pollinators to flowers, camouflaging animals against predation, and protecting skin from sun damage.
Beyond wildlife, pink foods like grapefruit, pineapples, and peppercorns also contain health-protective antioxidants. Pink beaches, lakes, and mushrooms arise through localized pigments produced by the endemic flora and fauna.
Across the planet, pink occupies a unique niche in the natural color palette, adding beauty and diversity to ecosystems across landscapes and lifespans. Hues from pale pastel to rich fuchsia illustrate nature’s endless creativity and ingenuity. The next time you see a flash of pink, take a moment to appreciate both its beauty and its long, arduous, evolutionary journey to achieve that lovely color.