Annatto pigments are produced from the tropical plant Bixa orellana L., a small bush or tree that grows in tropical regions of Central America, South America, and Africa. Annatto trees produce crimson pods containing numerous seeds. The outer pericarp of the seed is covered with a thin layer of bixin pigment. Seeds from both cultivated and wild plants are harvested and dried prior to processing.

Bixin An oil soluble carotenoid pigment occurring naturally on the surface of the Bixa orellana L. seed.	Norbixin A water soluble carotenoid pigment formed from bixin by alkaline hydrolysis.

For micro-crystalline suspensions, acid proof, and propylene glycol emulsions:
The color value is measured by spectrophotometric absorbance at 487 nm in acetone. Alkaline products require the addition of 1% glaciel acetic acid in the first dilution. Color is reported as E 1%/1cm or as % Bixin using E 1%/1cm of 3090 for pure bixin.

For alkaline solutions:
The color value is measured by spectrophotometric absorbance at 480nm to 485nm in 0.5% potassium hydroxide. Color is reported as E 1%/1cm or as % Norbixin using E 1%/1cm of 2870 for pure norbixin.