Abstract: For the extraction of carotenes, in particular of .beta.-carotene, from natural sources, these are stirred for several hours at at least 30.degree. C. in a solvent mixture composed of acetic esters of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alcohols as well as a portion of 1 to 25% by weight of an oil of biological origin. The natural colorant is in this way obtained in very high space-time yields and high purity.

Abstract: In a process for the removal of cholesterol and cholesterol esters from egg yolk, the egg yolk is diluted with an aqueous solution of a water-soluble salt of the cation potassium or/and calcium as well as the anion chloride and/or sulfate or/and an organic anion with a molecular weight of .ltoreq.150. The diluted egg yolk is subsequently mixed with .beta.-cyclodextrin until complexation of cholesterol and cholesterol esters with .beta.-cyclodextrin has taken place. The formed complexes are separated and after separation of the complexes from the egg yolk mixture the added salt as well as, if desired, water is removed again. Low sodium egg yolk products with a low total cholesterol content and good sensorial properties are obtained.