Carthamus, a native to Egypt, is cultivated worldwide in countries such as Spain, India and China. Introduction into Japan is said to be around third to fourth century A.D. by the Silk Road. Yamagata prefecture is now the largest producer but in the past, the plant was known to be cultivated all across the country in regions with warm climates. Since ancient times, desiccated safflower petals (Chinese herbal name: Hong Hua) have been used as herbal medicine. Its flower can be used to make dyes and colorants, and from its seeds, edible safflower oil.
Carthamus Yellow is composed mainly of safflomin of the flavonoid group. This pigment is used for coloring confectionary, beverages, noodles and pickles. Combined with other natural colors, it also serves to make a whole variety of colors for foods.