Bixaceae

/bɪkˈseɪsiːi/ noun

Definition

A family of tropical flowering plants that includes the annatto plant, known for producing seeds used in food coloring.

Etymology

From Bixa, the genus name (from Tupi 'bixa'), + Latin '-aceae' (plant family suffix). Named after the annatto plant native to South America.

Kelly Says

Annatto from Bixaceae gives cheddar cheese its orange color and has been used for centuries in Latin American and Caribbean cooking—it's basically the same plant family that makes your cheese look cheesy.

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