Annatto

Annatto Color is extracted from the seeds of the annatto. Annatto has two pigments, bixin which is oil soluble and nor-bixin which is soluble in water. Annatto seeds are extracted in aqueous-alkali solution at 70°C. Filter the solution to remove the impurities. Annatto pigment is precipitated by the addition of hydrochloric acid. Filter the precipitates, dry and washed with solvent to remove impurities.