Many objects in our world come in a variety of colors. Purple is an interesting color that can be found on both natural and man-made objects. In this article, we will explore some common purple objects and look at why certain things are purple.
Natural Purple Objects
In nature, there are a number of plants and foods that are purple in color. Here are some of the most notable naturally purple items:
Eggplants – Eggplants are a very dark purple on the outside. When cut open, the inside flesh is also a light purple color. The purple skin acts as an antioxidant and protects the delicate flesh inside. Eggplants are used widely in cooking.
Purple Cabbage – Like green cabbage, purple cabbage is a leafy vegetable. However, it contains a pigment called anthocyanin that turns it purple. It has an earthy, peppery taste and is often used for salads and slaws. The purple color is a good indicator of antioxidant levels.
Purple Grapes – Grapes come in different colors, and purple grapes are one of the most common. Concord grapes and red globe grapes are two major types. The purple color comes from anthocyanins. Purple grapes are used to make wines, jams, and grape juice.
Plums – There are over 2,000 varieties of plums, and many of them have purple skin. Plums may range from reddish purple to blue or even black-purple. Plums contain antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin C. They are harvested in mid to late summer.
Purple Potatoes – In South America, varieties of naturally purple potatoes are grown. They get their color from anthocyanin pigments. Purple potatoes are healthy and contain antioxidants. Their flesh is purple too, unlike white potatoes.
Purple Asparagus – This type of asparagus has a vivid purple color instead of the usual green. It has a unique flavor and tends to be sweeter. The purple color indicates the presence of antioxidants. It turns green when cooked.
Purple Carrots – In addition to orange carrots, purple carrots are another less common variety. They have high anthocyanin levels that provide the purple pigment. Purple carrots have a sweeter, more peppery taste than orange ones.
Purple Cauliflower – This variant of cauliflower has a head that is purple instead of the usual white. It has a more peppery and nutty taste than white cauliflower. The purple color indicates antioxidant levels in the brassica vegetable.
Purple Sweet Potatoes – Also called Okinawan sweet potatoes, these have bright purple skin and flesh. They are native to Hawaii and have an exceptionally sweet taste. The purple color comes from anthocyanins.
Purple Corn – Most corn varieties are yellow or white kernels, but purple corn has deep purple kernels. This is due to high anthocyanin levels. Purple corn is dried and ground into flour in the Andean region of Peru. It has a nutty, complex flavor.
Man-Made Purple Objects
In addition to naturally occurring purple items, many man-made objects are dyed or painted purple for aesthetic reasons. Here are some examples:
Purple Clothing – From t-shirts to dresses, purple is a popular color for clothing. Natural plant dyes like indigo or synthetic chemical dyes are used to dye fabric purple. Dark purples are considered elegant. Light purples represent spring.
Purple Pens – Pens with purple ink are widely available. The ink contains synthetic purple dye. Besides black and blue, purple is a popular pen color. It stands out on white paper. Fine tip purple pens allow artistic handwriting.
Purple Paint – Professional artists paint tubes contain purple shades like violet and lilac. Purple paint is also used on walls, cars, and other objects. Mixing blue and red paint makes purple. Different hues can be created by adjusting ratios.
Purple Crayons – Crayons labeled as purple have been included in Crayola boxes since 1903. Over the decades, various purple shades like mauve and orchid have been offered. Purple is a primary color in the subtractive color model used for pigments.
Electric Wires – Electric wires are color coded for safety. Purple wires indicate wires are for alternating current. For live wires, they may be solid or striped purple. Purple distinguishes these wires at a glance.
Purple Flowers – While natural purple flowers exist, florists also dye white flowers to create purple blooms. Carnations, roses, and orchids may be dyed purple for bouquets. Purple represents enchantment in flower meanings.
Purple Gems – Amethyst is a naturally occurring purple gemstone, but other gems are artificially treated to turn them purple. Topaz, tourmaline, and sapphire can be irradiated or heated to produce purple gems.
Purple Photographic Filters – In photography, filters change image colors. Purple filters reduce greens and blues for a warmer tone. They enhance green foliage and blue skies in black-and-white photos. The filters allow more red and purple to pass through.
Purple Stage Lighting – Theatrical lighting uses colored gels to create dramatic effects. Deep purple lighting can set an enchanting or spooky mood. It highlights performers while keeping backgrounds dim. Theatrical suppliers provide various shades of purple filters.
Why Are Things Purple?
There are a few key reasons why certain objects in nature and man-made creations are purple:
Anthocyanin Pigments
Many purple plant foods contain flavonoid compounds called anthocyanins that confer purple, blue, and red colors. These pigments act as antioxidants and protect plants from intense light. High anthocyanin levels create very purple shades.
Mixing Red and Blue
In physics, purple sits between red and blue on the visible color spectrum. Mixing red and blue light or pigments makes the intermediate color purple. Different purples can be made by adjusting the ratios.
Absorption and Reflection
Surfaces look purple because they absorb other colors while reflecting purple wavelengths of light. A purple surface absorbs greens, yellows, and oranges from white light. The reflected light appears purple.
Aesthetic Appeal
Purple is considered an elegant, creative color. Using purple dye or paint makes objects more visually appealing. Purple suggests wealth, fantasy, spirituality, and royalty in color psychology. Manufacturers make purple products due to their aesthetic value.
| Object | Source of Purple Color |
|---|---|
| Eggplants | Anthocyanin pigments |
| Purple grapes | Anthocyanin pigments |
| Plums | Anthocyanin pigments |
| Purple gemstones | Treatment and heating |
| Purple clothing | Plant or synthetic dyes |
| Purple paint | Mixing of pigments |
Conclusion
In summary, the purple color of natural objects like fruits and vegetables often comes from anthocyanin compounds. Man-made purple items involve dyes, pigment mixing, or selective reflection of purple wavelengths of light. Purple is aesthetically pleasing and used for many decorative purposes. So whether occurring naturally or artificially, purple is a fun, visually striking color found on many everyday objects.
