The present invention provides dark opal basil leaves or an extract
thereof, containing anthocyanin dye derived from the dark opal basil, in
concentrated form.The process of the present invention comprises steps of
(1) adding salt to dark opal basil leaves, (2) dehydrating the dark opal
basil leaves obtained in step (1), and (3) immersing the dark opal basil
leaves obtained in step (2) in an organic acid solution. In step (2), the
dark opal basil leaves to be dehydrated are physically treated to such an
extent that the cells thereof are broken or not broken.