HerbMate Library

Annatto (Achiote)

Bixa orellana

Culinary Color, Antioxidant; Coloring, Antioxidant

Annatto (achiote) is mostly known as a natural red-orange food coloring and flavoring. Traditional uses include mild digestion support and culinary wellness, but it’s primarily a spice/colorant.

Key Benefits

Natural food colorant used in cooking.
Traditional culinary use for digestion support (educational use).
Adds earthy flavor to dishes.

Common Issues It May Help With

Digestive comfort routines (traditional food use).
General culinary wellness routines.

How To Use (Simple)

Food: simmer seeds in oil to color/flavor, then strain.
Spice: ground annatto used in rubs and stews.
Blend: pairs with garlic, cumin, oregano.

Taste / Notes

Earthy, slightly peppery, mild.

Evidence Level

Mostly culinary evidence; limited clinical research.

Cautions

Rare allergy possible; may cause GI upset in high amounts.

Interactions

No major known interactions in typical culinary use.

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