Homemade pH indicator with red cabbage

En Ok Pool Reform, in this section within the Swimming pool pH level we will treat the How to make a homemade pH indicator with red cabbage.

Homemade pH indicator with red cabbage

How to measure the pH of the pool at home with a red cabbage

To begin with, as we have said, We will make a reagent to measure the pH through red or red cabbage.

Why cabbage leaves can measure pool pH

The reason why red cabbage leaves can measure pH is because In the leaves of cabbage there is a compound called anthocyanin.

In this way, in the case of red cabbage, It contains a blue pigment from the anthocyanin indicator group called cyanidin.

Consequently, cabbage is susceptible to changing color to create the homemade pH indicator for pool water.

Well, To obtain the homemade pH indicator for the pool, all we have to do is extract the pigment from the cabbage.

Red cabbage anthocyanins for the pH of pool water

Anthocyanins are purple under neutral conditions (pH of 7), but change color when exposed to an acid (pH less than 7) or a base (pH greater than 7).

Materials to make the pool pH indicator with cabbage

Two leaves of red cabbage / purple.
Blender glass.
Blender.
Strainer.
Sprayer or dropper.
Glass or crystal containers.
Liquid substances of different acidities (video: water, vinegar, bleach and orange juice)

Procedure to make the pH indicator with cabbage

First, remove a couple or three of colored leaves.
Chop them very well with the knife so that there are very small pieces.
If you cannot cut them well because it is a fairly hard vegetable, it is advisable to cook it so that it softens.
Next, we put the red cabbage in a blender.
We boil water, and pour it boiling directly into the blender with the cabbage.
Water to add to the blender: Minimum ¼ of water, it is advisable to add more or less the same volume of water as the cabbage leaves.
Water to add to the blender in case we have not cooked the cabbage previously: add even more water than the volume of the leaves.
We plug in the blender since you have to blend the water until the water turns dark purple.
Afterwards, we let the result cool for at least 10 minutes.
Our result will have to be a purple liquid, which we will strain and filter with the help of a funnel so that we only retain the liquid part.
We will store the pool pH indicator liquid made from cabbage in a bottle to prevent it from becoming contaminated. The bottle does not matter if it is plastic or glass, but it must have a dropper or sprayer.
We now have the pool's pH indicator ready to take measurements!

Relationship between color and pool pH value of red cabbage

red cabbage ph

pH pool color palette red cabbage

Video tutorial how to measure pH with a red cabbage

In this video tutorial we will learn how to exercise a pH indicator for the pool thanks to a red cabbage extract.
As we said previously, red cabbage contains anthocyanins.
Explain again that anthocyanins are a pigment that changes color depending on the pH value of the pool.
Furthermore, in the video tutorial on how to measure the pH of the pool at home, the relationship between color and pool pH value of red cabbage will be much clearer; That is, the scale of colors in which the pool pH indicator substance can become according to the same pH value and a series of solutions with which we will know the pH of the pool water.

Other homemade pool pH indicators

Apart from red cabbage, there are other fruits and vegetables with anthocyanin pigments. and therefore to be able to measure the pH of the pool water:

Homemade pool pH indicators: berries, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, red onion, purple corn...
There are other vegetables that also have indicators such as rose petals and other flowers.

Making homemade pH test strips with red cabbage

First procedure, follow steps to perform the pH indicator with cabbage

Follow the steps described just above in reference to the procedure to make the pH indicator with cabbage until step 8.
After having carried out the steps to create the pH indicator with cabbage until step 8, we will begin to prepare the homemade pH analytical strips with cabbage.

Procedure to make homemade pH analytical strips with red cabbage

Pour the solution into a bowl or baking dish. You need a container with a wide enough opening to wet the paper. You should choose a stain-resistant container, since you will be pouring food coloring into it. Ceramic and glass are good options.
Soak your paper in the indicator solution. Make sure you insert the paper all the way in. You should cover all corners and edges of the paper. It's a good idea to wear gloves for this step.
Let your paper air dry on a towel. Find a location that is free of acidic or basic fumes. You should let the paper dry completely before continuing. Ideally, leave it overnight.
Cut the paper into strips. This will allow you to measure the pH of several different samples. You can cut the strips to any size, but it's generally okay to follow the length and width of your index finger. This will allow you to dip the strip in a sample without sticking your fingers in the sample.
Store the strips in a cool, dry place. You should use an airtight container to store the strips until you use them. This way you will protect them from environmental pollution such as acid gases and basic gases. It is also ideal not to leave them in direct sunlight, as this could cause them to fade over time.