What is Annatto?
Extracted from the seeds of the achiote shrub, annatto originated in the tropics of Central and South America. Annatto is commonly used as a spice and food coloring these days, but like many other modern spices and herbs, it was historically used for medicinal purposes. Known for the bright orange and red colors that it can impart, annatto was also used for paint, insect repellent, and sunscreen in the past.
Annatto seeds, also known in some parts of the world as achiote, are small triangular red seeds that are often ground and added to other spices to flavor and color various food products. Its flavor is peppery, and some consider it to taste a bit like nutmeg.
What is it used for today?
Annatto is typically used in cheeses and confectionery products as a natural food coloring. In terms of flavor, it is commonly featured in Filipino cuisine, as well as in many dishes of Latin America. It is also used to color and flavor rice.
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