Bixa Orellana The Annatto color is the purified extract of the outer layer of the seeds of the Bixa Orellana tree, native of northern South America. The origin of its name comes from the Spanish Conqueror Francisco de Orellana, who discovered this pigment used as body painting by the natives, especially the warriors, as a symbolic act representing the color of blood. The belief that the golden bodies of these Indian warriors, seen at a distance, came from gold ornament, inspired the organisation of an expedition into the jungle by this conqueror, who discovered unintentionally the Amazon River in 1541. |
Annatto was the first vegetable color brought to Europe in large quantities after the discovery of America. Annatto seeds and extracts have been used for over 100 years in Europe and North America to impart a yellow to red color to foods, especially dairy products such as cheddar and Colby cheeses. In modern times, annatto ranks second in economic importance worlwide among all natural colors and it is the most frequently used natural colorant of the food industry. Catalog of Products Annatto Bixin Norbixin Products form Annatto