Annatto
Bixa orellana
![Green Quotation Marks](https://americanrivernutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/quote_icon.png)
I was stunned by the beauty of the annatto and suspected that it must contain a very powerful antioxidant in order to preserve its bright red pigment. A scientist by design, my curiosity drove me to perform intensive research on this plant. When results emerged, I was shocked to find it was tocotrienol.
![Picture of a man named, Dr. Barrie Tan in a black and white photograph](https://americanrivernutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/barrie-150x150.png)
Dr. Barrie Tan
The annatto plant, or Bixa orellana originates from the Amazon rainforest and has been used since ancient times. Aptly nicknamed “the lipstick plant”, annatto is commonly used as a natural colorant in the production of butter, cheeses, snacks, fruit fillings, and many other foods in the industry worldwide.
Sourcing Diversity:
Annatto is predominantly grown by small, independent farmers in tropical areas for use as a natural colorant. For over two decades, American River Nutrition have cultivated relationships with these farmers in many countries on our mission to find the best quality annatto.
Sustainability:
Annatto is sustainably harvested each year, similar to crops such as raspberries or blueberries. This makes the process eco-friendly and sustainable, unlike other sources of tocotrienol. There is no known significant contribution to air or water pollution.
Processing:
American River Nutrition was awarded the first-ever annatto patent for a unique extraction technique in 2002. This technique allowed us to extract DeltaGold® without using harsh or synthetic chemicals, petrochemicals, or solvents — nothing similar to those that are commonly used in other extraction methods.