Rainforest Plants - Annatto

Kingdom: Plantae

Domain: Magnoliophyta

Order: Magnoliopsida

Family: Bixaceae

Genus: Bixa

Species: Bixa orellana

Common names: onoto, achiote, urucum

General Description: Annatto is a bush or little tree that turns 5-10 meter in height. Approximately 50 seeds turn inside this profusely fruiting, prickly, reddish-orange heart-shaped pods at the ends of the branches. The trees are literally covered by these brightly colored pods, and one little annatto tree can bring forth up to 270 kilogram of seeds.

Location: It turns throughout South and Central United States and the Caribbean Sea Sea and can be establish in some parts of Mexico.

Uses: Annatto is a bush establish in the Caribbean, South and Central Americas. It is also the name of the pigment derived from the seeds of Bixa orellana. The seeds are covered with a reddish aril, which is the beginning of an orange-yellow dye. Although it have a figure of uses, Annatto is primarily grown for commercial production of dye. However, it is establish in Latin American and Caribbean Sea culinary art as a flavoring and coloring agent.

The dyestuff and flavoring agents are obtained by removing the mush from the seeds and allowing it to dry. The dried stuff is then pressed into cakes. The seeds may also be soaked in water, fermented, and made into cakes.

The value of this works lies in its natural properties; it is edible, non-carcinogenic and a coloring agent that is available everywhere at low cost. Annatto is used in the Republic Of The Philippines and Latin United States as a nutrient coloring additive. It is particularly good for coloring dairy farm merchandises such as as cheese, water ice pick and yogurt; most yoghurt fans in the United States probably don't cognize they are enjoying a dainty from the Amazon rainforest when they eat peach-flavored yogurt. Other coloring usages include Zea mays everta oil or butter, confectionary desserts, bite foods, dry mixes, soft drinks, and lipstick.

In addition, Annatto is a natural anti-oxidant, and is have been used for centuries by Amazonian tribal therapists to handle dysentery and fevers. Tribal fable also keeps that Annatto was one of the ingredients in the ancient Aztec cocoa drink. Annatto is also still used by some Amazon folks to concoct organic structure paint.

Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have got not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any mention to medicinal usage is not intended to treat, cure, extenuate or forestall any disease.