Annatto is an orange-red condiment and food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical parts of the Americas. It is often used to impart a yellow to red-orange color to foods, but sometimes also for its flavor and aroma. Its scent is described as "slightly peppery with a hint of nutmeg" and flavor as "slightly nutty, sweet and peppery".
Open fruit of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), showing the seeds from which annatto is extracted.
A Tsáchila man, with his hair coloured with annatto
Colby cheese colored with annatto
Food coloring, or color additive, is any dye, pigment, or substance that imparts color when it is added to food or drink. They can be supplied as liquids, powders, gels, or pastes. Food coloring is used in both commercial food production and domestic cooking. Food colorants are also used in a variety of non-food applications, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, home craft projects, and medical devices. Colorings may be natural or artificial/synthetic.
A variety of food colorings, added to beakers of water
Blue Curaçao liqueur gets its trademark blue color from food coloring.
The orange color of carrots and many other fruits and vegetables arises from carotenoids.
Due to European Union regulations on food coloring, the color of M&M's are less bright than ones sold in the United States.
