description Annatto Seed Overview
Annatto seed is a spice and natural food coloring derived from the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), which is native to the tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds contain the carotenoid pigment bixin, which provides a distinctive red-orange color commonly used in products like cheese, butter, and rice. In Latin American and Caribbean cuisines, ground annatto is also used as a seasoning, imparting a mild, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor to meats and sauces.
help Annatto Seed FAQ
What plant produces annatto seed?
Annatto seed comes from the achiote tree, Bixa orellana, which is native to tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds are covered with a reddish pigment-rich coating.
What gives annatto its red-orange color?
The main pigment is bixin, along with related carotenoid compounds such as norbixin. These pigments are extracted from the outer coating of the seeds.
Is annatto used as a natural food coloring?
Yes. Annatto extract is used to add yellow, orange, or red-orange color to foods including cheese, dairy products, confectionery, and processed fish. In the United States, annatto extract is recognized as a permitted food color additive. ([US regulation](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/73.30))
How do cooks use whole annatto seeds?
Whole seeds are commonly infused in oil or water so the color and mild flavor can be transferred into a dish. They can also be ground, although the hard seed texture makes direct grinding less convenient than using an extract or infused oil.
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