Annatto is a seed widely used for its natural coloring properties. It’s an essential ingredient for cooking enthusiasts around the world.

It has two main uses:

• A natural food coloring (E160B)
• A dye used in various fields

Annatto comes from a tree called the annatto tree, which is native to the tropical regions of the Americas. This tree produces pink flowers that later turn into spiny red fruits. Inside these fruits are annatto seeds, known for their strong coloring properties.

Thanks to their natural pigments, these seeds have a rich color. In addition to their role as a coloring agent, they add a subtle peppery note. As a result, they help reduce the blandness of certain dishes and enhance their flavor.

Uses of Annatto

Annatto seeds are not consumed directly. Instead, they are used after processing. Once dried, the seeds can be used to extract a wax rich in carotenoids.

These natural pigments are also found in many foods, such as tomatoes, carrots, salmon, and egg yolks. That is why annatto is widely used in the food industry.

In cooking, annatto is used in a variety of dishes. For example, it is used to make annatto paste, flavored oils, and certain Mexican dishes. It also pairs very well with chicken stews and other slow-cooked dishes.

Did you know?

In the past, Native American peoples used annatto as protection from the sun. That is why they were sometimes called «Redskins.».

Origin and Quality

Annatto comes mainly from China. The seeds are harvested by hand between late summer and fall. They are then air-dried naturally to preserve their quality.

States and Packaging

We offer annatto in the form of natural seeds. The fruits of the annatto tree contain pods filled with small, triangular red seeds, known as annatto seeds.