2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Anato / Bixa orellana / is a shrub or low tree belonging to the family Bixaceae / Bixaceae /. It is known by quite different names, including achiote, onoto, colorau, atsuete, bija, which in one way or another are associated with its use. It grows on a large scale in the warm regions of North and South America.
Plants of this species are usually between five and fifteen meters tall. In a favorable climate, they can grow for 40-50 years. They are characterized by a grayish gray crust, which is covered with specific formations resembling warts.
Young specimens are characterized by non-cracked bark, while those of older age also have cracks. Anat boasts a strong and stable root system, which consists of a thickened main root and several softer roots. Among the parts of the tree that make the strongest impression is the crown.
It is lush, dense and voluminous. Over time, the branches hang to the ground. They are roofs with large, almost heart-shaped, green, shiny leaves. What is special about them is that they are pointed at the end and have relatively long handles. The colors of anato are very beautiful, but unfortunately, can only be spectacular day.
They are small, consisting of five petals and many stamens. They are painted in pink to purple and a little white. Their scent is attractive, but barely perceptible. As for the fruits of the plant, we can say that they are inconspicuous boxes. They are distinguished by red color and thorns. Anato branches literally abound in these fruits. They contain the most used parts of the plant - the seeds, which are also called anato or achiote.
The seeds in the fruit are small, between 2 and 4 millimeters in size, covered with a reddish shell. Anato seeds are numerous. It is said that a small tree can produce up to 270 kilograms of seeds.
It is considered that anato originates from Brazil, but over time has been transferred to nearby areas. He managed to reach Hawaii and parts of Asia.
History of Anato
Chronicles show that the ancient population of South America widely used the parts of anato, and was able to find quite useful properties of this plant. For them, it was a means of coloring in cooking, a medicinal herb and a product they could use in their craft.
According to people familiar with the matter, the Amazon Indians covered their bodies with a substance from the seeds of anato during rituals, as well as when going to war. In this way, they felt stronger because they thought that their appearance would scare the enemy. It is also known that some tribes used the same ointment to protect their skin from sunburn, as well as to protect it from insect and snake bites.
It is said that the Indians used anato as a burning agent. They also found that the seeds have a beneficial effect on inflammatory processes, gastrointestinal problems, fever, skin diseases and more. Among these communities, the use of anato as an aphrodisiac was known.
Women also used it as a product to redden their lips and dye their hair. There is evidence that the Maya used red powder from anato seeds to color works of art or fabrics. They also used it to paint murals.
Composition of anato
Anato is a plant that is rich in nutrients. Essential oil, sucrose, non-volatile oil, proteins, carotenoids, pigments, ellagic acid, salicylic acid, tryptophan, vitamin E and others were found in it. The seeds of Bixa orellana themselves are a source of pigments, essential oil, cellulose, sucrose, alpha and beta-carotenoids and other substances of interest to science.
Benefits of anato
In the past anato has proven to be a plant with numerous benefits. As already mentioned, the seeds of it are a practical means of coloring. The dye is obtained when the seeds are crushed and the particles are soaked in water. Of course, there are other ways to get paint. Depending on the applied technique, the resulting dye is more orange or reddish.
The medical benefits of anato are also known. The seeds of the plant have a diuretic, laxative, antioxidant, antibacterial, sedative effect. In addition, they stimulate the appetite, aid digestion, lower bad cholesterol levels.
Experience shows that anato has a positive effect on worms, gout, kidney problems, prostate problems, overweight, high cholesterol, malaria, decreased libido, increased uric acid levels.
There is evidence that the seeds of the plant have had a beneficial effect on high blood pressure, fungus, gonorrhea, sunstroke, burns, migraines, epilepsy, dysentery, heartburn, stress. Anato is rich in antioxidants and supports the immune system and liver function. The leaves of the plant have been used for vaginal lavage against fungus and inflammation.
Anato oil is used for beauty purposes, as it softens and nourishes the skin. It also helps to acquire an attractive tan that lasts longer.
Folk medicine with anato
Anato powder can be taken for high blood pressure. It is enough to regularly season your food with the spice.
A few drops of oil prepared from the seeds of the plant, in combination with almond oil has a great effect in relieving pain caused by sunburn.
Anato in cooking
Initially anato It is mainly used in the cuisine of the Philippines and Latin America, but today its use is much more widespread. In the products offered in the retail chains, a colorant made from anato seeds is used and it is written as colorant E160 (b).
The crushed seeds are used to color sauces, marinades and pastes. In this respect, anato can be compared to saffron and turmeric. However, its aroma is much simpler than that of these two spices, and its taste is described by many as sweet and bitter.
Anato gives a very attractive and appetizing look to dishes with rice, meat, fish, vegetables. The virtuosos in the kitchen are of the opinion that you can easily use anato to color dairy products, salads, pasta, soups and more. In addition, foods prepared with this product are suitable for a diet.
To evaluate the benefits of anato, we offer you to prepare a recipe for the so-called anato paste, popular in Mexican cuisine.
Necessary products: anato - 3 tbsp, oregano - 1 tbsp, cumin - 1 tsp, cloves - 1 pc., garlic - 4 cloves, lime juice - 4 tbsp.
Method of preparation: All ingredients are placed in a food processor and grind until smooth. It can be used as a marinade for roast meat.
Harm from anato
In general, serious side effects from moderate use of anat seeds are not known. It should be noted, however, that in some individuals who are more sensitive to the ingredients in it, increased diuresis may be observed. The product is not yet recommended for use by pregnant women and children under 3 years of age.
