Stuff You Should Know What's the deal with indigo?
Feb 25, 2020
Discover the captivating history of indigo dye, often referred to as 'blue gold,' and its ties to colonialism and trade. Dive into the labor-intensive processes of extracting this vibrant pigment from plants, alongside its cultural significance. Enjoy humorous anecdotes on fashion choices involving denim while reflecting on the environmental impact of dyeing. The conversation also explores the revolutionary shift from natural to synthetic dyes, highlighting a groundbreaking teenage chemist's role in transforming the industry. It's a colorful blend of history, humor, and ethical fashion!
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Ancient Dyes
- Before the mid-19th century, all dyes came from natural sources like plants and insects.
- Creating blue dye was especially challenging, as it required a complex, multi-step chemical process.
Indigo's Mysterious Origin
- Indigo dye's creation is a non-intuitive process involving a series of chemical reactions.
- The plant itself doesn't contain blue pigment, making the discovery of indigo dye a fascinating mystery.
Woad vs. Indigo Phara
- Woad and indigo phara were the two main sources of indigo, with woad being more common in Europe.
- Indigo phara, from India and South America, was considered superior, and Europeans paid high prices for it.