how to grow an annatto or atsuete?

Answer 1

Annatto is a profusely fruiting shrub or small tree that grows 5-10 m in height. Approximately 50 seeds grow inside prickly reddish-orange heart-shaped pods at the ends of the branches. The trees are literally covered by these brightly colored pods, and one small annatto tree can produce up to 270 kg of seeds. The seeds are covered with a reddish aril, which is the source of an orange-yellow dye. Annatto is known as achiote in Peru and as urucum in Brazil. It grows throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean and can be found in some parts of Mexico as well.
It is grown as an ornamental plant southern parts of Florida and California. It can be grown as a large potted plant in a well lighted area inside and does better if you put it outside in the warm months and inside during the winter months.