Achiote Seeds 

Achiote Seeds Annato spice is made from the red seed of the annatto tree. Annatto is an orange-red condiment and food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical regions from Mexico to Brazil. It is often used to impart a yellow or orange color to foods, but sometimes also for its flavor and aroma.

Annatto seed is also known as achiote or poor man’s saffron. Its intense color allows even a small amount to greatly impact the appearance of a dish. Certain Latin American or Caribbean meat or rice dishes simply will not have an authentic look and taste unless you use this spice.

Achiote is a spice and coloring agent extracted from the seeds of the evergreen Bixa Orellana shrub. After macerating in water, the pulp surrounding the seeds is made into cakes for further processing into dyes. The seeds are dried and used whole or ground as a culinary spice.

Achiote is native to the tropical areas of the Americas, including the Caribbean and Mexico. The Spanish brought the small tree from the Americas to Southeast Asia in the 1600s, where it is now a common food ingredient. It’s also produced in India and West Africa.