Kingdom: Plantae
Domain: Magnoliophyta
Agent Orange Heart Disease
Order: Magnoliopsida
Family: Bixaceae
Genus: Bixa
Species: Bixa orellana
Common names: onoto, achiote, urucum
General Description: Annatto is a shrub or small tree that grows 5-10 m in height. Almost 50 seeds grow inside this profusely fruiting, prickly, reddish-orange heart-shaped pods at the ends of the branches. The trees are absolutely covered by these brightly colored pods, and one small annatto tree can furnish up to 270 kg of seeds.
Location: It grows throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean and can be found in some parts of Mexico.
Uses: Annatto is a shrub found 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 source of an orange-yellow dye. Although it has a estimate of uses, Annatto is primarily grown for commercial yield of dye. However, it is found in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine as a flavoring and coloring agent.
The dye and flavoring agents are obtained by removing the pulp from the seeds and allowing it to dry. The dried material is then pressed into cakes. The seeds may also be soaked in water, fermented, and made into cakes.
The value of this plant lies in its natural properties; it is edible, non-carcinogenic and a coloring agent that is available in any place at low cost. Annatto is used in the Philippines and Latin America as a food coloring additive. It is particularly good for coloring dairy products such as cheese, ice cream and yogurt; most yogurt fans in the United States probably don't know they are enjoying a treat from the Amazon rainforest when they eat peach-flavored yogurt. Other coloring uses include popcorn oil or butter, confectionary desserts, snack foods, dry mixes, soft drinks, and lipstick.
In addition, Annatto is a natural anti-oxidant, and is has been used for centuries by Amazonian tribal healers to treat dysentery and fevers. Tribal legend also maintains that Annatto was one of the ingredients in the antique Aztec chocolate drink. Annatto is also still used by some Amazon tribes to concoct body paint.
Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any reference to corrective use is not intended to treat, cure, mitigate or preclude any disease.
Rainforest Plants - AnnattoHouse Session 2011-10-26 (10:00:13-11:01:37) Tube. Duration : 61.40 Mins.Tags: C-SPAN, cspanhouse, 2011
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