The incorporation of colored compounds in sucrose crystals

Seed crystals of sucrose have been grown in the presence of three colorants, a melanoidin and two caramels. The effect of the colorants on the sucrose solubility and growth rate of the seed crystals has been investigated along with the ability of the colorant to absorb to crystal surfaces and to be incorporated within the growing crystal. By comparing the transfer factor of each colorant with that of ash (KCl), the fraction of the colorant adsorbed into the crystal lattice compared to that captured in the inclusions has been separated. It was found that the colorant that had the greatest effect on the solubility and growth rate, was absorbed to the surface, adsorbed into the crystal lattice and concentrated in the inclusions to the greatest extent. It is proposed that this colorant has the greatest affinity for sucrose and forms large complexes with the sucrose in solution.