PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for coloring a ham to be prepared by injection with a red carotenoid dye such as lycopene and canthaxanthin in a crystalline state, allowing for excellent coloring development with a uniform color tone.SOLUTION: In preparation of processed meat products such as a ham, the ham is colored by an injection method for uniformly dispersing liquid materials such as a pickling liquid and a seasoning liquid inside the meat, using a pickling liquid containing a red carotenoid dye such as lycopene and canthaxanthin in a crystalline state and water-soluble polysaccharides (ghatti gum and arabic gum). The red carotenoid dye diluted and dissolved in methanol has a maximal wavelength of 460 nm or longer in the wavelength range of 400 to 550 nm.
