Vitamin and Colorant

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Vitamin and Colorant
E160b: Annatto, Bixin, Norbixin
SVTH: HOAØNG VAÊN NHÒ
MSSV: 46134333
LÔÙP: 46 CNSH
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I- Introduction
1. Origin
Natural colour isolated from the seeds of the annatto
tree (Bixa orellana ).
The scientific species name orellana is derived from
the name of Francisco de Orellana, a Spanish
explorer of the 16.th century.
This shrub is native to South America, India, East
Africa, the Caribbean and Philippines . Brazil is the
main exporter. Today, annatto is also grown on the
Philippines (introduced by the Spanish).
Analysis of annatto seeds indicates that they contain 40% to 45% cellulose, 3.5% to
5.5% sucrose, 0.3% to 0.9% essential oil, 3% fixed oil, 4.5% to 5.5% pigments, and
13% to 16% protein, as well as alpha- and beta-carotenoids and other constituents.
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I- Introduction
Brick red, triangular
in shape, 3 - 5 mm
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I- Introduction
An achiote blossom
Scientific classification
Bixa orellana
L.

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malvales
Family: Bixaceae
Genus: Bixa
Species: B. orellana
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2. Chemical structure
Bixin (9′Z-6,6 -diapocarotene-6,6 -dioate) ′ ′
C
25
H
30
O
4

λmax = 509nm, 475nm, 443 nm
Norbixin
YAnnatto: B, C, D, E, F, G
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3. Properties
•
Annatto is a vegetable dye that is peach in
colour and may be used as a substitute for
tartrazine. Annatto may be water soluble or oil
soluble.
•
Water soluble annatto contains bixin, a
carotenoid and the main colourant which may

be interconverted by hydrolysis to norbixin.
•
Water soluble annatto contains sodium or
potassium salts of norbixin as the major
colourant.