Purple corncob contained high monomeric anthocyanins concentration (290 to 1323 mg/100g DW) and acylated anthocyanins (35 to 54%). Obtaining a colorant from purple corn produces large amounts of a highly colored purple corn waste (PCW) with limited solubility. The limited solubility was associated with the complexation of anthocyanins with macromolecules (tannins and proteins) abundant in PCW. The purple corn pigment extraction procedure was modified to minimize waste production. Deionized water at 50 °C yielded high anthocyanin concentration with relatively low tannin and protein content. Application of a neutral protease during processing might decrease the level of the major protein (29KD) in purple corn and further reduce PCW