Annatto

Bixa orellana

spice

Red seeds ground into a paste (achiote) or infused in oil, which color and flavor Yucatán's cochinita pibil, Philippine rice and Caribbean dishes.

Origin

Amazonia, grown throughout tropical America and Asia

Season (United States)

imported · all year round

Preparation

The seeds are steeped for a few minutes in hot oil, which turns red, then removed: the oil is used for cooking. As paste (achiote), they are thinned with citrus juice for marinating.

Did you know?

It is the colorant E160b in orange cheddar and mimolette.