Interesting Facts On Achiote Fruit
The Achiote fruits is scientifically called as “ Bixa Orellana ”.
ORIGIN OF ACHIOTE FRUIT
Bixa orellana, also known as achiote, is a shrub native to Central America. Achiote is also widely cultivated in Tropical countries such as Mexico, Peru, Indonesia, Ecuador, Kenya, India and East Africa.
Annatto belongs to a family of plants known as Bixaceae or Achiote family.
OTHER NAMES OF ACHIOTE FRUIT
Achiote, annatto , lipstick plant, Roucou, Achuete, Urucul, chitoe, onoto, bija, colorau, urucum, atsuete in different regions.
Tamil – Kongaram, Sappira
Kannada: Kunkumada gida
Hindi – Sinduriya, Latkan
Marathi: Sendri
APPEARANCE OF ACHIOTE FRUIT
The Achiote fruits of the Bixa orellana are globular, ovoid capsules arranged in clusters resembling spiky looking red-brown seed pods covered in soft spines.
When fully mature, the pod dries, hardens and splits open, exposing the seeds.
TASTES OF ACHIOTE FRUIT
Achiote has no discernible flavour . Achiote seeds give off a slightly floral or peppermint scent.
Impart earthy, floral and bitter flavour with a hint of pepper and nutmeg.
VARIETIES OF ACHIOTE FRUIT
• Bixa tinctaria Salisb
• Orellana orellana (L.) Kuntze
• Bixa orleana Noronha
• Bixa americana Poir
• Bixa purpurea Sweet
• Bixa odorata Ruiz & Pav. ex G.Don
• Bixa acuminata Bojer
• Orellana americana (Poir.) Kuntze
• Bixa upatensis Ram.Goyena
• Bixa katangensis Delpierre
NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS OF ACHIOTE FRUIT
Value per 5 Tea Spoon:
• Energy: 108kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fibre: 11g
• Protein: 4.0g
• Folate(V-B9): 87.8g
• Vitamin C: 21mg
• Calcium: 75mg
• Sodium: 5mg
The most abundant amino acids found in Achiote are lysine, phenylalanine + tyrosine, leucine and isoleucine. Valine was the most limiting amino acid.
Phytonutrients Nutrient Value % of DV
Carotenoids (mg bixin/g) 40.33 ± 0.32
Carotenoids (mg nor-bixin/g) 31.61 ± 3.88
Total Phenolic Compounds (mg GAE/g)A) 62.08 ± 2.21
Carotenoids (mg nor-bixin/g) 31.61 ± 3.88
Total Phenolic Compounds (mg GAE/g)A) 62.08 ± 2.21
Ascorbic acid content (mg AA/g)C) 13.75 ± 4.0
Total antioxidant capacity (mg AAE/g)D) 17.42 ± 0.45
Interesting Facts On Achiote Fruit
Eye Care: High carotenoid content present in Achiote function as antioxidants in ocular system and prevent the development of cataracts, keeping vision strong for years.
Antioxidant Capacity: Achiote contain tocotrienols, act as antioxidants in the body, which is a best treatment for the skin problems .Annatto pastes reduce the signs of wrinkles, blemishes, and other imperfections.
Healthy Digestion: The high level of fibre found in Annatto seeds, are very good for human digestion .These helps in promoting the smooth passage of food through the bowels and the efficient uptake of nutrients.
Strengthens Bones: A significant level of calcium found in Annatto supply your bone mineral density and ensure bone strength. Osteoporosis can prevent essential minerals like calcium depleting.
Treats Diabetic: Annatto Fibre helps to lower cholesterol and manage diabetes, as it can help optimize the insulin and glucose levels in the blood.
Prevents Birth Defects: Folate (folic acid) found very high in Annatto, benefits in vitamins. These Folate may prevent neural tube defects in new-born children.
Liver Health: Annatto seeds help balance, detoxify, metabolize and strengthen the liver. It also helps to reduce liver inflammation. Bixin in Annatto destroy the harmful free radicals in the liver.
Promotes Wound Healing: Annatto seed paste help in speeding the healing process and reduce the appearance of the scar. These paste cures burns or wounds on the skin, reduce skin irritation ,also act as natural antimicrobial that can help prevent infections.
Clears Respiration: Annatto seeds have expectorant properties Which are used to prevent mucus-related disorders like coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. Annatto clears the mucus from the lungs.
Relieves Stomach Issues: Stomach upset, like constipation, diarrhea is cured by consuming annatto. Functions like a stomachic, treating heartburn and discomfort, which may be associated with everything from viral infections to simply eating too much spicy food.
Prevents Cancer: Norbixin is one of the pigments found in annatto seeds and is known to be a powerful antioxidant. This norbixin has an anti-mutagenic effect towards the cancerous cells and free radicals.
Treats Gonorrhoea: Annatto is a best effective herbal treatment for gonorrhoea condition and relieve pain and embarrassing condition, using the paste of the annatto. Annatto seeds may be able to help prevent serious cancers from spreading.
