Annatto Seeds

Annatto, also known as annatto, is a spice and natural dye obtained from the seeds of the Bixa orellana tree, which is native to tropical America. Annatto has been used for centuries both in cooking and in traditional medicine in various parts of the world. Here you have relevant information about annatto:

The word "achiote" is a Castilianization of the Nahuatl achiotl, which means 'grain' or 'seed'. The etymology of the binomial name corresponds to bixa, a Latinization of the Portuguese bixa; orellana, dedicated to the Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana (1490-1546). Bija was the name given to the red wine dye obtained from this plant, in the Pijaos communities of Colombia.

 Origin and Distribution :

Annatto is native to tropical America and is found in regions such as Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. It is also grown in other tropical regions of the world.

Tree Characteristics :

The annatto tree is a shrub or small tree that produces spiny capsules containing the annatto seeds. Seeds are the main component used in cooking.

Culinary Use :

Annatto is mainly used as a coloring and seasoning in cooking. Annatto seeds are ground into an orange-red powder that is used to add color and flavor to a variety of dishes, especially in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. It is a key ingredient in dishes such as achiote, red recado, cochinita pibil and pollo pibil.

Flavor and Aroma :

Annatto has an earthy and slightly spicy flavor, with nutty notes and a characteristic aroma. Its main attraction in the kitchen is the color it adds to food.

Natural Colorant :

Annatto is used as a natural coloring in processed foods such as cheeses, margarines and meat products. It is also used in the cosmetics and textile industries to dye fabrics.

Health Benefits :

Annatto has been used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, although its effectiveness is not supported by solid scientific evidence. It has been studied for its possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of compounds such as carotenoids.

Forms of Use :

In addition to annatto seed powder, you can also find annatto pastes and oils that are used to marinate meats and fish.

The fruit is a red capsule, 2 to 6 cm long, with thick prickly hairs. The seed is compressed, 5 mm long, with a tegument covered with a reddish viscous substance.

Ecology

It withstands temperatures of 20 to 35 °C, and, at altitude, from 100 to 1500 m asl (meters above sea level), although it grows much better in low areas, no more than 500 m asl, without frost.

 The surface of its seed has a resinous, oily coating that contains a pigment, known as annatto. It is a condiment that was widely used by the Mayans.

Instructions inside the packaging