Annatto

Annatto is a derivative of the seed of the achiote trees (Bixa orellana L.) of tropical regions of the Americas, used to produce a red food coloring. It is used in cheese (including Cheddar), margarine, butter, rice, smoked fish and custard powder. Annatto is commonly found in Latin America and Caribbean cuisines as both a coloring agent and for flavoring. Central and South American Indians used the seeds to make a body paint, and as a lipstick. For this reason, the achiote is sometimes called the lipstick-tree.

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Achiote: Achiote, or Achiotl, (Bixa orellana) is a tree from the tropical regions of the Americas (known also by its Tupi name of urucum). It is best known as the source of annatto....

Food coloring: A food colouring is any substance that is added to food to change its colour....

Cheese: Cheese is a solid food made from the curdled milk of various mammals—most commonly cows but sometimes goats, sheep, or buffalo. Rennet is often used to induce coagulation in the milk, although some cheeses are curdled with acids such as vinegar or lemon juice, or with extracts of various speci...

Annatto related Images and Photos (experimental)

Annatto Ground Dried Seeds for Use as a Spice or Herb (Bixa Orellana). Native from Mexico to Brazil

Inhabitants of French Guyana Preparing Annatto from "Encyclopedie Des Voyages"