Description/Specification Beetroot’s Rich Red Powdered Food colour Beetroot red is the colour obtained from the red beetroot, which contains the principal component of betanine. The Beetroot has a long history in European food, having been noted as far back as the 16th century for its strong colour, adding interest and colour to dishes. Evolved from the wild sea beet known as the Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima, it is a native of coastlines from India to Britain. Depending on the amount of Beetroot colorant extract used, Beetroot red paints colours varying from a deep cochineal purple to a delicate pink.