{"product_id":"annatto-achiote-bixa-orellana","title":"Annatto Achiote (Bixa orellana)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eVibrant Natural Dye and Spice\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annatto, Achiote, Lipstick Tree, Urucum, Roucou\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bixaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tropical Americas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnnatto (\u003cem\u003eBixa orellana\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as Achiote or the Lipstick Tree, is a tropical shrub or small tree native to the Americas, prized for its bright red seeds used as a natural dye and spice. The seeds, contained within spiny red pods, produce a vivid yellow to orange dye, traditionally used for coloring food, cosmetics, and textiles. In cooking, annatto seeds are used for their mild, earthy flavor, often added to dishes for color and flavor enhancement, especially in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. Besides its culinary and cosmetic uses, annatto has been valued for its medicinal properties, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDistinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annatto seeds are small, reddish-brown, and stored inside prickly, heart-shaped pods. The seeds are ground into powder or steeped in oil to create a natural food coloring or spice. They have a mild, peppery flavor with hints of nutmeg and are used in rice dishes, stews, and marinades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage and Flowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tree produces heart-shaped, bright green leaves and clusters of pink to white flowers that bloom throughout the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annatto grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching 6-20 feet in height, with a bushy, upright growth habit. It is well-suited to tropical and subtropical gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCulinary and Medicinal Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the kitchen, annatto seeds are used to add a warm, golden color and subtle flavor to a variety of dishes, including arroz con pollo, tamales, and adobo. It is also the natural colorant in cheeses like cheddar and butter. Annatto oil, made by steeping the seeds in oil, is a popular ingredient in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedicinally, annatto has been used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The seeds and leaves have been used to treat digestive issues, skin conditions, and high blood pressure. The plant is also rich in tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E, which supports skin and heart health.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sow Exotic","offers":[{"title":"Medium Coconut Coir Pot","offer_id":43111072465009,"sku":"C4-ANN-M","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1959\/4419\/files\/Annatto_Achiote_Bixa_orellana_sow_exotic_live_plant_for_sale_2.png?v=1774969173","url":"https:\/\/thepepperpantry.com\/products\/annatto-achiote-bixa-orellana","provider":"The Pepper Pantry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}