Also known as achiote, urucum, roucou.

Annatto Powder is finely ground from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), cultivated specifically for dyeing. It produces vivid peach to orange hues and dissolves easily in hot water. Annatto has been used since pre-Columbian times in South America for body paint, textiles, and food coloring. Spanish explorers brought it to Europe in the 16th century, where it became valued as both a dye and a food colorant.

Main dye compounds: Bixin, Norbixin (Annatto, Bixa orellana)
CI Natural Orange 4

Shading Tips

• With alum (20%) → bright peach to clear orange.
• With tannin + aluminum acetate → deeper golden-orange.
• With copper → warm terracotta tones.
• With iron (1%) → muted orange-brown or soft khaki.
• Overdye with indigo → warm olive and moss greens.