DIY Red Cabbage pH Paper

In this activity, you will learn how to make red cabbage pH paper.

Important Note: Prior to using any of the products mentioned, it is highly recommended to thoroughly read and understand all safety precautions associated with each product. It is also strongly advised to perform a patch test before proceeding with usage.

Please be advised that this guide is intended for informational purposes only and APC Pure cannot accept any responsibility for the outcome of any usage based on this guide.

Here are the materials you'll need:

• Blender (optional)
• Microwave (optional)
• Red cabbage
• Filter paper

Step 1: Begin by cutting a red cabbage into pieces that can fit into a blender. Blend the cabbage with the minimum amount of water required to achieve a concentrated juice. If a blender is not available, you can grate the cabbage or chop it finely with a knife.

Step 2: If using a microwave, heat the cabbage until it reaches the boiling point. Look for signs of boiling or steam rising from the cabbage. If a microwave is not available, you can soak the cabbage in a small amount of boiling water. Allow the cabbage to cool for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 3: Filter the liquid from the cabbage through filter paper. It should be deeply coloured. Soak the filter paper in this liquid and allow it to dry. Once dry, cut the coloured paper into test strips.

Step 4: Take a test strip and apply a small amount of liquid using a dropper or toothpick. The colour change on the test strip will depend on the acidity or basicity of the substance being tested.

To avoid colouring your fingers, consider soaking only half of the filter paper with cabbage juice, leaving the other side uncoloured. This way, you will have a clean area to hold onto, even though you will have less usable paper. Additionally, you can experiment with other plants that produce pigments serving as pH indicators. Explore this project further using common indicators found at home or in the garden.