Annatto Seeds

At Sterling Exports Inc., we bring to the global market Annatto Seeds – a spice and natural coloring agent that holds a special place in culinary traditions worldwide. Known as “Achiote” in Mexico and Latin America, and “Atsuwete/Achuete” in the Philippines, Annatto is widely cherished for its bright red pigment and subtle flavor.

In Western countries, Annatto has been historically used to color confectionery, butter, smoked fish, and cheeses like Cheshire, Leicester, Edam, and Muenster. Beyond food coloring, Annatto imparts a mildly peppery and nutmeg-like aroma with a slightly sweet and peppery taste, making it a versatile spice.

Annatto seeds are brick-red, triangular in shape, and measure 3–5 mm. They are available as whole seeds, powders, pastes, and extracts, and are widely used in culinary, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. With over 40 years of experience, Sterling Exports ensures that Annatto Seeds are procured from trusted sources, carefully processed, and hygienically packaged to maintain freshness, purity, and international quality standards.

The history of Annatto Seeds (Bixa Orellana) dates back to pre-Columbian times in Central and South America, where indigenous peoples valued it as both a dye and a spice. Ancient Mayans and Aztecs used Annatto to color food, textiles, and ceremonial body paint. In the colonial era, Annatto became highly prized in Europe as a natural coloring agent for butter and cheese, offering a cheaper alternative to saffron. Over centuries, it gained global recognition for its dual use in culinary flavoring and natural pigmentation. Today, Annatto continues to be an important spice in Latin American, Caribbean, Indian, and Filipino cuisines, as well as a natural food coloring in global food industries.