Patent ID: 7387804
Filing Date: 2008-06-17
Classification: A21D,A23B,A23L,C09B,C12J

Abstract:
1. A process for producing an extract of basil leaves ( Ocimum basilicum ), comprising: (1) adding salt to basil leaves from a basil selected from the group consisting of Dark Opal Basil, Rubin Basil, Osmin Basil and Purple Ruffles Basil to obtain salt-treated basil leaves, so that the salt-treated basil leaves are maintained under acidic conditions at a pH of 2 to 6, wherein the basil leaves comprise cells and dye; (2) physically treating the basil leaves obtained from (1) to such an extent that cells of the basil leaves are broken; (3) dehydrating the basil leaves obtained in (2) by squeezing them, wherein the basil leaves are maintained at a pH of 2 to 6; (4) immersing the basil leaves obtained in step (3) in an organic acid solution; and (5) separating said basil leaves from the organic acid solution to produce an extract of the basil leaves, wherein the extract contains the dye.