Annatto Extract Bixin

Bixin (Annatto) is a natural red to orange coloured dye derived from the seeds of achiotefruit (Bixa Orellana). Annotto tree is tropical perennial shrub which grows in southern part of coastal India, mainly in the natural forests of Andhra Prdesh. Bixin is strongly pigmented red colour with orange shade that is mainly due to the carotenoid pigments- bixin and norbixin, present in the reddish waxy coating of the seeds. Bixin is known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic properties along with hepato-protective, digestion inducting nature. Bixon also contains minerals & nutrients such as calcium, sodium, iron, fibre, vitamin E, etc. Bixin is traditionally used to colour the cheese, butter, dairy products and vegetable oils. Bixin is commercially extracted from the pericap of the Annatto seed and is one among the oldest known colorants.