Essential Spice Whole Annatto comes from the tropical achiote tree, and its bright red-orange hue lends itself to use as a food dye. It also possesses medicinal purposes and is an ingredient in Latin American food, along with Caribbean and Filipino cuisines. It's often used in soups, stews, sauces, and marinades where it lends a sweet, peppery taste. Some may detect a sweet, floral hint of nutmeg. Product Info: Annatto Seed, Bixa Orellana, is the seed from a flowering tree of the Bixaceae family. This tree is also known as a lipstick tree, as much of the red color found in lipstick is derived from the dye found in the pulp surrounding the Annatto Seeds. As a Spice Annatto is used most often in the Caribbean and Central America. Besides coloring food, Annatto also imparts a mild flavor. Annatto Seed is also an ingredient in Achiote Paste. Annatto Seeds are small triangular shaped, about 1/2 cm wide, and velvet red with a soft texture. Suggested Use: Annatto works with beans, grains, rice, and light meats such as chicken, fish, and turkey. It's often used to prepare vegetables such as okra, plantains, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkin, and peppers. Ingredients: Annatto Seed Country of Origin: Peru Basic Prep: Annatto seed oil is a common ingredient in Caribbean cuisine. Heat 1 cup of grape seed oil, add 2 ounces of Annatto Seeds, and cook for up to 5 minutes (until the oil turns orange). Strain the seeds out and refrigerate. Also often spelled Annato, or Anatto. Free shipping is not included in Hawaii, Alaska, or Canada.