Lutein crystal preparing process from marigold flower

The present invention is the lutein crystal preparing process from marigold flower. Lutein ester is first extracted from marigold flower with non-polar solvent under heating condition and then saponified with alkali solution in stirring and heating condition; and the saponified product is diluted with deionized water and separated, washed and vacuum dried. After that, the obtained lutein crystal is re-crystallized in three-component solvent of tetrahydrofuran, deionized water and normal hexane or petroleum ether; and the lutein crystal is suction filtered, washed and vacuum dried. The presentinvention has low-toxicity solvent in small amount used, simple technological process, high extraction, rate, and high product purity. The product of the present invention may be used widely as feed coloring additive and food coloring agent and in medicine and health care article.