ACHIOTE

n. annatto, small evergreen tree that grows in tropical America and has heart-shaped leaves and white or pink flowers; seeds of the annatto tree (used for their coloring effect or as seasoning in food); yellowy reddish dye made from annatto seeds; (Cookery) Mexican sauce or marinade made with ground annato seeds with spices chile peppers (this sauce is added to fruit to create a red paste used to flavor foods)