Bixa orellana, also known as achiote, is a shrub or small tree native to Mexico and Central and South America. Bixa orellana is grown in many countries worldwide. The name achiote derives from the Nahuatl word for the shrub, . It may also be referred to as , or by its original Tupi name , or ("red color"), which is also used for the body paint prepared from its seeds. It bears clusters of bright white or pink flowers, resembling single wild roses, that appear at the tips of the branches.
Annatto oil contains tocotrienols, beta-carotene, essential oils, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids, and vitamin C.
Genomics
A chromosome-scale genome assembly of Bixa orellana was published in 2026. The assembled genome size is approximately 270 Mb and includes 10 chromosome-scale superscaffolds representing 96.4% of the assembly. The assembly showed a BUSCO completeness of 98.6%, and approximately 56,000 transcripts were annotated. The genome was generated to facilitate studies of genes involved in bixin biosynthesis and regulation.
Distribution
Although the exact origin of Bixa orellana is unknown, it is native to northern South America and the Central American tropics: "it is said to be indigenous by Seemann on the northwest coast of Mexico and Panama, by Triana in New Granada, by Meyer in Dutch Guiana, and by Piso and Claussen in Brazil".
The main commercial producers of B. orellana are countries in Latin America (specifically Peru, Brazil and Mexico), which constitute 60% of total world production followed by Africa (27% of total world production) and Asia (12% of total world production). Production statistics are not usually available and would not provide a reliable guide to international trade, since many of the producing countries use significant quantities domestically (e.g., Brazil is a large producer and consumer, needing additional imports). Annual world production of dried annatto seed at the beginning of the 21st century was estimated at 10,000 tons, of which 7,000 tons enter international trade. Peru is the largest exporter of annatto seed, annually about 4,000 tons; Brazil the largest producer, with about 5,000 tons. Kenya exports annually about 1,500 tons annatto seed and extracts and is the second-largest exporter, after Peru. Côte d'Ivoire, Angola, and the Philippines are also exporters.
Industrial uses
thumb|Oil of Bixa orellana
Before synthetic dyes revolutionized industry, Bixa orellana (which is the only plant to produce the pigment bixin) was planted commercially. The pigment is extracted from the pericarp of the seeds through use of alkaline water, vegetable oil, or organic solvents.
The annatto pigment has global economic significance, as it is one of the most widely used natural dyes to color food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. It is used commonly in foods because the coloring does not alter the flavor and is not toxic, It is mainly used to dye ice cream, meats, dairy products (cheeses, butter and margarine) and condiments. On Spanish-speaking Caribbean islands, the annatto pigment is also used to make yellow rice and is sometimes added to sofrito. In Nicaragua, the most common way achiote is used in their cuisine and dishes is in the form of a paste. It is used in many national dishes, such as chancho con yuca, nacatamal, and fritanga. The Yucatecan condiment called , or "achiote paste", is made from ground Bixa orellana seeds combined with other spices and is a mainstay in Mexican and Belizean cuisines.
Traditional uses
One major traditional use of the Bixa orellana plant was for body, face, and hair paint among various tribes and ancient civilizations either for decorative purposes or as omens to ward off evil spirits and illnesses. It has been reported to be used by Brazilian native tribes, the native Taínos in Puerto Rico, the Tsáchila of Ecuador and different Amazonian tribes. As a result of the Spanish Conquest, the Bixa orellana was introduced to peoples like the Aztecs, Incas and Mochicas, who showed evidence of later use.
The plant is valued for its stem fiber to make rope mats and for the adhesive gum.
Gallery
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File:Bixa orellana with fruits in Hyderabad, AP W IMG 1456.jpg|With fruits in Hyderabad, India
File:Bixa orellana fruit in Hyderabad, AP W IMG 1457.jpg|Fruit in Hyderabad, India
Image:Urucum (bixa orellana) seeds.jpg|Split seed pod
File:General Emilio Aguinaldo, Bixa orellana jf9216 18.jpg|Seed pod closeup
File:General Emilio Aguinaldo, Bixa orellana jf9216 13.jpg|Fruit
Bixa orellana MHNT.BOT.2018.28.11.jpg|Bixa orellana – MHNT
Herbier Colorie de l'Amerique (45121691824).jpg|Illustration of fruit and seed
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