Homemade pH Indicator with Red Cabbage

Use red cabbage as a natural pH indicator to test various household liquids and understand acids and bases.

What you need

• A few leaves of red cabbage
• Hot water
• Strainer or sieve
• 4-5 small clear cups or glasses
• Common household liquids to test: Vinegar (acid), Lemon juice (acid), Baking soda solution (base), Soap water (base), Plain water (neutral)

How it works

The cabbage juice contains a pigment called anthocyanin that changes color depending on the pH: Acids (like vinegar or lemon juice) turn it reddish-pink, Bases (like baking soda or soap water) turn it blue or green, Neutral substances (like water) keep it purple. This shows how you can visually detect pH levels using natural ingredients.