Annatto Seeds

New York Pigment Co. Verified independent store

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Annatto or bixa is a light red, orange or yellow dye made from the seeds of Bixa orellana L. (Bixaceae), an evergreen bush that originates from Mexico and Central and South America . The reddish color comes from a range of carotenoid pigments, mainly bixin, norbixin, crocetin and other yellow to orange-red compounds present in the coating of the seeds. The color of the intense dye obtained from the seeds has a range from bright yellow to deep orange and brownish hues. Early on, annatto was used for body painting, as dye for fabrics, for medical purposes and cosmetics, but also as artists’ pigment. Along with cochineal, it is found in 16th century Mexican manuscript painting. Traditionally it has been widely used as coloring and flavoring agent in food, especially in the Americas. Today, the fat soluble annatto is a common yellow or orange colorant in the food industry, mainly to color oils, cheese and fish. Show more