General Information
Annatto pods grow at the ends of woody stems on a small shrub-like plant. Before the seed pods form, the plant is covered in white, five-petaled flowers. The seed pods look like fuzzy strawberries, growing in clusters of a dozen or more. Annatto pods are heart-shaped and are bright red to a reddish-brown when mature. Once the pods are fully mature, they split open to reveal tiny, 5 millimeters long, triangular brick red seeds. The seeds are pungent, and have a slightly peppery flavor with a hint of nutmeg. They are covered with a slightly waxy, clay-like substance that produces a bright yellow or orange stain.
History
Annatto is native to the tropical regions of Mexico, Central and South America, as well as parts of the Caribbean. The name Achiote comes from the ancient Nahuatl word achiotl, which the ancient Mexicans used to describe the plant. Spanish mercenaries discovered the plant in South America after plundering Peru and traveling down the Amazon in search of the big currency spice, cinnamon. The Spanish then brought the plant to the Philippines in the 16th or 17th century, where it quickly became a popular spice and coloring agent for local cuisine. Outside of the plant’s native range, Annatto or Achiote seeds are more commonly found packaged in Asian or Latin markets.
