356. Annato.
Botanical name:
356. ANNATO.—A coloring substance obtained from a tropical American tree, Bix'a orella'na. The seeds steeped in water and allowed to ferment, and this liquid evaporated to a paste, becomes the anna'to of commerce, used as a cheese and butter color. By the natives the fragrant reddish pulp of the seeds is used as an astringent in diarrhea. It is also used as a dyestuff for silks and other fabrics.
