A Process for the Purification of Lutein‐fatty Acid Esters From Marigold Petals

A process for the purification of lutein‐fatty acid esters from marigold petals based on isopropanol precipitation is described. This procedure removed over 65% of the lipids from marigold extracts. The precipitated fraction contained 51.3% lutein esters, and a second precipitation from isopropanol‐petroleum ether (80 + 20) gave a product over 65% pure. The precipitated lutein esters were soluble in vegetable oil to the extent of 20% (w/w) at 60°C and were miscible with vegetable oil above 80°C. Lutein esters produced yellow to orange color in foods (Model system), and hue range can be extended to red by the addition of synthetic FDA‐approved carotenoids.