Also known as atswete, asyote, achiote or annatto.
This is actually a tree that bears an ugly-looking hairy fruit pod. The fruits are
harvested when they are fully ripened (the outer
hairy covering turns black-brown) and dried. The red seeds are then pounded in
a mortar and pestle and the poweder is used to color stews and soups and pancit especially
pancit bihon or sotanghon. It gives a yellow coloring much like
saffron and also imparts a peculiar taste that enhances the flavor of the dish.
It probably can be used as a textile dye too.
