Herbs & Spices

Annatto Seed

Health
ScoreA

Annatto (achiote) seeds are the brick-red seeds of Bixa orellana, prized for the carotenoid pigment bixin used as a natural food colorant.

Why Annatto Seed scores 83

Nutrient density17

Protein quality10

Fiber content10

Healthy fats6

Bioactive compounds14

Glycemic impact10

Top nutrients

% Daily Value per a pinch (2 g)

Manganese 1.7%Copper 1.3%Iron 0.8%Magnesium 0.6%Calcium 0.5%

per_100g

350

Calories

13g

Protein

68g

Carbs

Fat

32g

Fiber

limited evidence

Bixin and norbixin quench singlet oxygen and scavenge free radicals, protecting lipids from peroxidation

limited evidence

Annatto is a rare concentrated source of delta- and gamma-tocotrienols, which support antioxidant defense and lipid metabolism

·Steep in warm oil or fat because bixin is fat-soluble; the infused oil carries both color and antioxidants into the dish
·Pair with rice and beans as in traditional Latin American cooking where it colors and lightly flavors the staple base

·Best timing: Annatto's pigments and tocotrienols have no circadian dependency.
·Infuse seeds in warm (not smoking) oil for a few minutes, then strain because whole seeds are hard and not eaten
·Store in an airtight container away from light to preserve the pigment
·A small amount delivers strong color; over-extraction turns dishes bitter