Anatto

Anatto‏‎ (also known as Achiote or Bixa orellana) is a tropical plant native to the regions of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The plant is known for its vibrant red-orange seeds, which are used as a natural food coloring and spice in many global cuisines.

Description

The Anatto plant is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 20 feet tall. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and pink flowers. The most distinctive feature of the plant is its fruit, a spiky red pod that contains dozens of seeds. When the pod matures and splits open, the seeds are exposed. These seeds are covered in a red-orange pulp that is used as a dye.

Uses

The primary use of Anatto is for its seeds, which are ground into a powder and used as a spice or food coloring. The seeds have a slightly peppery taste with a hint of nutmeg and are often used in Latin American cuisine, particularly in the Yucatán Peninsula and Oaxaca regions of Mexico. The seeds are also used in Filipino cuisine and Caribbean cuisine.

In addition to its culinary uses, Anatto has been used in traditional medicine. The indigenous peoples of Central and South America have used Anatto for a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, skin conditions, and infections.

Cultivation

Anatto is a tropical plant that requires a warm climate and plenty of rainfall to thrive. It is typically grown in regions that meet these conditions, such as Central and South America and the Caribbean. The plant is propagated from seeds, which are sown in well-drained soil and require full sun to grow.

See also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• List of plants used in herbalism