How to Make Your Own Red Cabbage pH Indicator

Discover if the liquids in your kitchen are acids or bases using a homemade test made from red cabbage juice. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Make your indicator juice. Ask a grown-up to help you chop the cabbage into small pieces and place them in a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat and let it sit until the water turns a deep purple color.
2. Strain and cool. Use a strainer to pour the purple liquid into a clean container, catching the cabbage pieces. Let the liquid cool down completely before you start your testing.
3. Set up your test cups. Pour a small amount of each liquid you want to test into separate clear cups. Add one spoonful of your purple cabbage juice to each cup and stir it gently.
4. Observe the color change. Watch what happens! If the liquid turns pink or red, it is an acid. If it turns blue, green, or yellow, it is a base. If it stays purple, it is neutral.