Annatto

/əˈnɑtoʊ/ noun

Definition

A bright orange-red food coloring and flavoring made from the seeds of a tropical tree, used in cooking and cheese.

Etymology

From Tupi (native Brazilian language) 'natu'; the word traveled from South America through Caribbean trade routes to European languages in the 16th century.

Kelly Says

That yellow-orange color in cheddar cheese? It's probably annatto, which has been used for centuries—it was so valuable that it became a standard trade commodity between the Americas and Europe!

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