Annatto Seeds: Natural Color and Mild Flavor

What Is Annatto?

Annatto (achiote) comes from the seeds of the Bixa orellana tree, native to tropical Americas. These small, reddish-brown seeds are prized for their vivid coloring ability and subtle earthy flavor.

Flavor and Color

Annatto has a mild, slightly peppery, nutty taste. Its primary value is as a natural food coloring — it produces a warm golden-orange hue without artificial additives.

How to Use

• Infuse in oil: heat seeds in oil, strain, use the colored oil for cooking
• Grind into paste with vinegar and other spices for marinades
• Add to rice for color (traditional in Latin American cuisine)
• Use in cheese making (gives cheddar its orange color)

Regional Specialties

Cochinita pibil in Mexico, arroz con pollo in Colombia, and kare-kare in the Philippines all rely on annatto for their characteristic color.

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