Annatto Seeds

What is Annatto Seeds? Known for their ability to add both flavor and color to foods and seasoning blends, annatto seeds are the derivative source of annatto powder, which is also commonly referred to as annatto spice. Typically, they are slightly sweet with a mildly nutty taste and a bit of a peppery accent that does really well to tie the entire flavor palate together. Annatto spice is indigenous to Mexico and Brazil and is also found widely in India. It is used popularly as a food condiment, and its role is not restricted to taste and food fragrance alone, as it is actively utilized as a food coloring spice. Ground annatto is often sold as annatto spice and is used to introduce a yellow or orange color to food. Derived from the achiote tree, the carotenoid components of annatto seeds are responsible for their coloring effect as they provide the pigments bixin and norbixin. Annatto powder has become quite the coveted food condiment as a result of its rather wide application. On an industrial scale, annatto dye is used in the manufacture of lotions and cosmetics when mixed and infused with other oils. Annatto seasoning, on the other hand, can be used as annatto paste for further…