Achiote is also called annatto, achiote is the dried seeds of a small tree in tropical South America.  The seeds are usually soaked in water or other liquid, or fried in oil and then thrown away. The liquid has been infused by the orange colour. This is then used to colour stocks, stews, and rice. It is widely used throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of Southeast Asia. Commercially, achiote is used as a colouring agent in butter, smoked fish, cheese, and cosmetics.