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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Red Cabbage Indicator Breath test

    Red Cabbage Indicator Breath test

    March 16, 2022 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Next time you boil up some red cabbage, make sure you save the liquid as it can be used for lots of easy science experiments.

    This red cabbage breath test is a fun twist on the more traditional testing the pH of different substances, although why not do both?

    Did you know you can even make your own pH testing paper using red cabbage indicator?

    You’ll need

    A handful of red cabbage

    Pan

    Stove or hob

    Water

    Straw

    Transparent container

    Sieve or colander

    Instructions for a red cabbage indicator breath test

    Boil a handful of chopped red cabbage in a pan of water. The water should turn purple after a few minutes.

    Leave the pan to cool and drain the contents, saving the pink/purple liquid.

    Pour the liquid into a transparent container.

    Using the straw blow into the red cabbage indicator liquid. It should turn red, indicating that something in your breath is acidic!

    red cabbage indicator

    Why does red cabbage indicator change colour when you breathe into it?

    Red cabbage contains a natural pH indicator called flavin which is an anthocyanin. Flavin changes colour depending on the pH of the solution.

    You can see from the red cabbage indicator pH scale below that it turns red in the presence of an acid and green/yellow in the presence of a base ( alkali ).

    We breathe out carbon dioxide which is acidic, this is why the indicator turns red when you blow into it.

    red cabbage indicator scale - image shows the changing colours

    If you’ve still got some red cabbage indicator left, try testing different ingredients from around the kitchen to see if they are acidic or alkaline.

    Who created the concept of the pH scale?

    The concept of the pH scale was introduced by a Danish chemist called Soren Sorenson in 1909.

    If you enjoyed this you’ll love the rest of my kitchen chemistry science experiments!

    boy blowing into red cabbage indicator with a straw

    Last Updated on March 16, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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