Annatto is derived from the fruits of the Bixa orellana L. Orginally an evergreen native to tropical America, this plant is now grown in most of the tropical countries. The fruits of the plant consist of a burr-like pod that usually contain 10 - 20 seeds, all coated with a thin pulpy, bright orange resinous coating or mark. This coating is what produces the warm orange-yellow colour of Annatto!