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Annatto Seeds

Annatto, the tree, also called achoite or lipstick tree, is a woody tree or shrub 2-8m tall, with a dense rounded shape and short trunk; bark dark brown; leaves green; inflorescences with pink flowers to 5cm in diameter; capsule ovoid, covered with reddish-brown soft spines; seeds covered with abundant orange-red pulp. The small hard achiote seed, which is also called the annatto seed, is sold both whole and ground.

	2 oz	4 oz	8 oz	1 lb
Annatto Seeds Whole	$2.50	$3.15	$5.63	$9.45
Annatto Seeds Powder	$2.50	$3.22	$5.75	$9.66

Properties/Uses - Annatto seed is used for coloring soap a deep shade of orange-yellow. The Achiote has been traced back to the ancient Peru Indians who employed it as a principal coloring agent in foods, for body paints and as a coloring for arts, crafts and murals. Today in Peru traditional medicine, Annatto used to treat heartburn and stomach distress caused by spicy foods, and as a mild diuretic and mild purgative while traditional medicine recommends it as a vaginal antispetic and cicatrizant, as a wash for skin infections, and for liver and stomach disorders. Annatto is widely used in Latin America and the Caribbean cuisines as both a coloring agent and for flavoring. Central and South American Indians used the seeds to make a body paint, and as a lipstick. Antidote, Astringent, Cancer, Coloring, Cordial, Cosmetic, Diabetes, Dysentery, Fever, Hair-Oil, Kidney, Parasiticide, Stypic.

Botanical Name - Bixa orellana

Part Used - Seeds

Common Names/Synonyms - Achiote seed, annotto seed, achote seed, achuete seed, atsuete seed, bija, bijol, roucou.

Cautions - No side effects or contraindications with normal use.

Annatto Seed in larger sizes


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