Annatto Seeds: The Ancient Natural Spice That Colors and Flavors Food Naturally If you enjoy cooking with natural ingredients, chances are you’ve come across bright yellow or orange hues in traditional dishes and wondered where that beautiful color comes from. Long before artificial food coloring existed, cultures around the world relied on annatto seeds, a small but powerful spice derived from the seeds of the Bixa orellana plant. Native to tropical regions of Central and South America, annatto has been used for centuries not just for its color, but also for its mild, earthy flavor and cultural significance. Today, it continues to be valued by home cooks, herbal enthusiasts, and anyone looking to keep their kitchen as natural as possible. What Are Annatto Seeds? Annatto seeds are small, reddish-brown seeds found inside the spiky pods of the achiote tree. When soaked, ground, or infused in oil, they release a vibrant orange-red pigment known as bixixin. This natural color...