| abstract |
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of carotenoid solutions in a food grade oil. In particular, the invention relates to a process for dissolving a carotenoid, in particular astaxanthin, in a food-grade oil by heating a suspension of the carotenoid, especially astaxanthin, in the oil and then quenching (quenching) the resulting solution. The method comprises the following steps: i. Providing a suspension of the carotenoid in the oil, ii. continuously heating a stream of the suspension in a food grade oil to obtain a hot carotenoid solution, and iii. Quenching the hot carotenoid solution, wherein acid components present in the oil prior to heating are substantially neutralized. |