The indigo blue color has captivated us for many, many generations. From India to Asia, to Central and South America, through Greek and Roman culture, the plant has travelled through Great Britain and America and marched from ancient times to today.

5 Fun Facts about this magical indigo blue:

1. Indigo's Origins

Wondering where the plant is from? It's all in the name - Indigo means "the Indian" or "from India". As early as 5,000 years ago people were using indigo to make the deep blue dye.

2. Indigo is derived from plants.

There are many native plants that can produce indigo – some things you would never suspect like rhubarb and cabbage can provide the blue hue!

3. Versatility in Use.

Indigo can dye lots of materials and is especially good for cotton (indigo was the first dye used to color the original blue jeans) but also perfect for linens, silk, wool, leather and feathers and even materials like cane, wicker, shells and buttons.

4. Indigo dye is not blue.

Even though you may know Indigo as a richly blue color, Indigo dye is first green and gradually turns blue when it comes in contact with air. Once the Indigo brew turns a bright jade green, artisans know it’s ready for dyeing.

5. “Blue-collar Worker”

The indigo dye was so ubiquitous, that this is where we get the term “blue-collar worker” after the hard wearing indigo dyed cotton that factory workers and labourers wore!

- Karina Gulrajani