Response:
Plums contain significant levels of anthocyanin, allowing them to absorb light between 500 nm and 600 nm while reflecting wavelengths of blue and purple.
Spinach leaves are rich in chlorophyll, capable of absorbing lower wavelength light while reflecting green.
Details:
White light is comprised of the full visible spectrum. When it interacts with pigments, certain wavelengths are absorbed while others are reflected, leading to a color perception derived from the pigments. The color that a plant or tissue displays is influenced by the concentration of specific pigments or combinations thereof.
Most vegetables display green due to chlorophyll, which absorbs blue and red light. Blue light is found in the range of 420-470 nm, while green is reflected, hence the visible green hues in various vegetables.
Conversely, numerous fruits—such as blueberries, cherries, plums, and grapes—and flowers are high in anthocyanin, reflecting red, blue, and purple wavelengths. Anthocyanin absorbs light at 250, 370, and within the 500-600 nm range, aligning yellow and orange wavelengths with 500-600 nm.
For Plums:
- Pigment → anthocyanin
- Absorbs → light in the range of 500 nm to 600 nm → yellow-orange
- Reflects → wavelengths from 300 nm to 370 nm → blue-purple
- Perceived color → purple
For Spinach:
- Pigment → chlorophylls
- Absorbs → light between 420-470 nm → blue
- Reflects → wavelengths approximately between 470-530 nm → green
- Perceived color → green
