Achiote is also known as annatto seed and is used to give a yellowish color to food. Some people use it instead of saffron as a food coloring. Achiote can be found in Latin supermarkets and in some American grocery stores.
This spice is an important ingredient in Colombian cuisine. We use it to color our rice dishes, soups, stews and more.
To make Achiote oil:
Heat 1 cup of vegetable or olive oil and ½ cup Achiote seeds in a small skillet over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t let the seeds turn black. Remove the skillet from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes more. Strain the oil and store for up to 5 days at room temperature in a jar with a tight lid.
Related posts:
Lorraine @NotQuiteNigella
on Dec 5th, 2009
@ 10:15 AM:
How clever making an oil with it! Thanks for telling us all about it
Barbara
on Dec 5th, 2009
@ 12:42 PM:
Love your informative post, Erica. I knew nothing about achiote-
Angie@Angie's Recipes
on Dec 5th, 2009
@ 1:25 PM:
Thank you so much for the information and the recipe! I had no clue what the achote is!
Jhonny Walker
on Dec 5th, 2009
@ 3:22 PM:
I just had a wrap with achiote grilled chicken and was wondering how good it is! And I come back and see your post
Wonderful 
Kim
on Dec 5th, 2009
@ 3:22 PM:
I can see how this would make a lovely color to some rice or meat. It looks very pretty
Muneeba
on Dec 5th, 2009
@ 3:45 PM:
Daisy (on the Food Network now) uses this all the time in her Latino recipes. I’m gonna try and hunt these down in my grocery store if I can.
Erica
on Dec 5th, 2009
@ 4:40 PM:
Thank you everyone for the comments!
Joan Nova
on Dec 5th, 2009
@ 5:39 PM:
I actually prefer achiote (like in Goya Sazon) but have used both achiote and saffron in a dish if I want an authentic Spanish touch.
Jane
on Dec 5th, 2009
@ 10:26 PM:
In December achiote is especially important as the coloring for the masa for Venezuelan hallacas.
Oysterculture
on Dec 5th, 2009
@ 10:56 PM:
I love achiote oil and use it frequently. Great reminder of a versatile ingredient.
Divina
on Dec 6th, 2009
@ 6:54 AM:
Thanks Erica for this information.
Devon
on Dec 6th, 2009
@ 9:38 AM:
Erica, does achiote have a flavor at all or is it just a food coloring? What does it taste like?
Erica
on Dec 6th, 2009
@ 10:09 AM:
Devon- Annato has a special flavor. It is hard to describe, but it is delicious. Try it!
Ivy
on Dec 6th, 2009
@ 10:31 AM:
I am not aware of this spice. Thanks for the information. Please pass from my blog to collect your Award.
Erica
on Dec 6th, 2009
@ 11:27 AM:
Ivy-Thank you so much!
Joanne
on Dec 6th, 2009
@ 11:28 AM:
I don’t think I have ever cooked with this but thanks for all the info!
Soma
on Dec 15th, 2009
@ 9:38 PM:
Looks pretty! wondering if I will get these in the Mexican/Spanish grocery stores.
Erica
on Dec 16th, 2009
@ 8:15 AM:
Soma- You can fin achiote in Mexican stores.
Jackellyne
on May 15th, 2010
@ 11:22 PM:
I’m so happy to see all these dishes. They send me back to my childhood memories with my family and there wonderful cusine.
mlee
on Jul 21st, 2010
@ 9:33 PM:
For person that are cooking spanish food and are interested on using achiote there is good news, Now it comes in powder form, I love it and you save a lot of time . PR stores Mex also.