In most studies dealing with the extraction of anthocyanins,
addition of a small amount of acid to the extraction
medium has been reported to increase anthocyanin yield. This
is caused by stabilization of anthocyanins at low pH. However,
too high acid concentration leads to hydrolysis of acylated
anthocyanins; consequently, a decrease in pH to approximately
three by acid addition provides favorable conditions for
extraction as, atthis pH, anthocyanins are in a stable flavylium
ion form