Achiote Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Achiote

An achiote blossom
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Bixaceae
Genus:	Bixa
Species:	B. orellana
Binomial name
*Bixa orellana* L.

Bixa orellana

Bixa orellana (also known as achiote) is a shrub or small tree. It comes from the warm, tropical parts of the American continent. The name "achiote" comes from an old word, achiotl, used by the Nahuatl people. It's also called Aploppas or urucu, which was its first name from the Tupi people.

People grow achiote in the Americas and in Southeast Asia. The Spanish explorers brought it to Asia in the 1600s. Achiote is most famous for its bright red seeds. These seeds are used to make a natural color called annatto.

What Achiote Looks Like
Where Achiote Grows
Uses of Achiote
- Annatto: A Natural Color
Images for kids
See also

What Achiote Looks Like

Achiote plants have pretty pink flowers. After the flowers, they grow bright red fruits. These fruits are spiky on the outside. Inside the fruits, you'll find the small, red seeds. When the fruits get old, they dry out and become hard, brown pods.

Where Achiote Grows

Achiote is a tropical plant. This means it loves warm, sunny places. It grows naturally in many parts of the Americas. This includes Central America and South America. It also grows well in Southeast Asia.

Uses of Achiote

The main use for achiote is its seeds. These seeds are used to make a natural dye and food coloring. This coloring is called annatto.

Annatto: A Natural Color

Annatto is a yellowish-orange to reddish-orange color. It comes from the outer coating of the achiote seeds. People have used annatto for a very long time.

Food Coloring: Annatto is often used to color foods. You might find it in cheese, butter, and other dairy products. It gives these foods a nice, natural orange tint. It's also used in many traditional dishes.
Dye: In some cultures, annatto was used as a body paint. It was also used to dye fabrics. It gives a warm, earthy color.