It is not a visual experiment of the social networks. Blueberries look blue or purple, but are actually dark red. There is no eyeball that sees them different from what they look like on the outside and the stain they leave on your brand new white t-shirt when you are eating dessert.
Why is this happening? A team of scientists took a blueberry field and went into a laboratory, but not exactly to make jam (jelly).. Experts meticulously studied each element in the layers of this fruit to find the reason for the difference in its colors.
According to a report by The vanguardexperts from the University of Bristol found that the layer of blueberries has an “ultra-fine dye that is approximately 2 microns thick and, although less reflective, has a light blue color and reflects ultraviolet rays well.”
They detect that within these pigments there are natural elements called anthocyanins. They are characteristics responsible for giving blueberries their dark red color. However, anthocyanins are sensitive to pH, and their color can change depending on the pH of the environment in which they are found, experts report.
For blueberries, the pH of the fruit's skin is acidic, which causes the anthocyanins to turn blue. However, the flesh of the blueberry has a more neutral pH, which causes the anthocyanins to turn a dark red color.
The reason for this study on blueberries
But what is the point of giving so much importance to the color of blueberries? You may wonder. The idea of knowing these details is a gateway to the manufacture of more durable colored paints that are capable of reflecting UV rays.
In addition, they could manufacture coatings that are biocompatible with plants, which can be used to protect them as well as for use on walls, and which is an environmentally friendly material.