Delivery time: 3-6 business days (DHL)
If you would like to order this product in larger quantities, please contact us by e-mail.
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Annatto seeds (Bixa orellana) contain a high concentration of carotenoid pigments, particularly bixin and norbixin, which are responsible for their intense yellow to orange-red coloration. These lipophilic and water-dispersible pigment fractions enable a broad modulation of color expression depending on extraction method and mordant conditions, ranging from warm yellow tones to reddish-orange hues. In addition, the seeds contain small amounts of essential oils, proteins, and secondary plant compounds that can influence extraction behavior.
In traditional natural dyeing and food pigmentation practices, annatto seeds have primarily been used as a natural source of stable carotenoid colorants. In oily or fat-rich media, bixin shows high solubility and provides a uniform, light-stable coloration. In aqueous systems, norbixin is the dominant active fraction, making the seeds suitable for alkaline or alkali-modified extraction processes.
Within experimental dyeing and emulsion systems, annatto seeds can function as a natural pigment matrix whose color intensity is strongly influenced by pH, temperature, and solvent conditions. Furthermore, they can serve as a starting material for the targeted isolation of lipophilic pigment fractions, for example in the production of plant-based color dispersions, glazes, or functional color extracts with defined hue and stability characteristics.
Product data sheet Annatto (PDF)
Shipping is carried out by DHL and includes shipment tracking. Delivery time within Germany: 3–6 business days. Shipping costs are calculated based on weight during the ordering process and displayed before the order is completed.
Price overview:
We currently ship our products exclusively within Germany. The exception is the product "The Dyers' Child INK KIT (US version)," which we also offer to customers in the United States. If you would like delivery to another country, please contact us by email. We will check individual shipping options on a case-by-case basis.
Would you like to return your order? You can do so under your statutory right of withdrawal. You are responsible for the return shipping costs.
For more information, please see our Right of Withdrawal.
Our dried plants are intended exclusively for the production of plant dyes and for artistic and craft purposes. They are not suitable for consumption and are not intended for use on the skin, body, or animals.
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The color extracts shown were made using as little cold, distilled water as possible. The results are illustrative: hue and color intensity may vary depending on the amount of water used, the duration of grinding, and the type of mortar.
All color samples shown were created on pH-neutral cellulose paper (300 g/m²). The paper used can also affect the color results, particularly due to its pH and surface texture.
For this example, lemon juice was added to a cold-water extract.
The results are illustrative: hue and color intensity may vary depending on the original plant color extract and the amount and composition of the lemon juice used. You can also experiment with other acids.
For this example, baking soda was added to a cold-water extract.
The results are illustrative: hue and color intensity may vary depending on the original plant color extract and the amount of baking soda added. You can also experiment with baking powder, washing soda, soap, ash, or other additives.
The color extracts shown were prepared using hot, distilled water, with the plant material just barely covered by the water.
The results are illustrative: hue and color intensity may vary depending on the amount of water used, the temperature, the extraction time, and the pot used.
No. There is no minimum shelf life requirement for dried plants sold as raw materials for the production of plant-based dyes. When stored in a dry place away from light, they can usually be kept for several years. Storage instructions can be found in the product data sheets.
Our packaging sizes are primarily aimed at individuals. Therefore, we mainly offer small quantities. However, for educational institutions or customers who work with larger groups, it may make sense to order larger quantities. For orders of 1 kg or more per item, we can usually arrange a separate delivery as a complete package. Since we usually have to order these larger units separately and check availability with our suppliers in advance, we recommend a lead time of at least two weeks.
In our online shop, we can only offer you some basic information about our products. If you would like to delve deeper into the world of plant dyes and expand or deepen your knowledge, we recommend our workshops at Hof Emschermündung or at one of the globally active Dialogers.
Many of our products are also available from smaller manufacturers or specialized cultivation projects that are not certified organic. Organic certification involves organizational and financial costs and is therefore not carried out by all producers. We offer products from certified organic cultivation whenever they are available in the desired quality and can be purchased at a fair price. At the same time, we carefully select all our suppliers and pay attention to high product quality and responsible manufacturing, regardless of certification.
Sustainability plays a central role for us. That is why our goal is to source as many of our products as possible regionally and sustainably or from our global sevengardens network partners. However, our capacities at the Emschermündung farm are not sufficient to supply our online shop. Our own production is too small for this, but it covers a very wide range – from pomegranate blossoms to madder roots to maidenhair ferns. Our dye garden is a little paradise for dyers. You can see for yourself in our workshops.
