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.
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Lorraine @NotQuiteNigella says
How clever making an oil with it! Thanks for telling us all about it 🙂
Barbara says
Love your informative post, Erica. I knew nothing about achiote-
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Thank you so much for the information and the recipe! I had no clue what the achote is!
Jhonny Walker says
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 says
I can see how this would make a lovely color to some rice or meat. It looks very pretty 😀
Muneeba says
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 says
Thank you everyone for the comments!
Joan Nova says
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 says
In December achiote is especially important as the coloring for the masa for Venezuelan hallacas.
Oysterculture says
I love achiote oil and use it frequently. Great reminder of a versatile ingredient.
Divina says
Thanks Erica for this information. 😀
Devon says
Erica, does achiote have a flavor at all or is it just a food coloring? What does it taste like?
Erica says
Devon- Annato has a special flavor. It is hard to describe, but it is delicious. Try it!
Ivy says
I am not aware of this spice. Thanks for the information. Please pass from my blog to collect your Award.
Erica says
Ivy-Thank you so much!
Joanne says
I don’t think I have ever cooked with this but thanks for all the info!
Soma says
Looks pretty! wondering if I will get these in the Mexican/Spanish grocery stores.
Erica says
Soma- You can fin achiote in Mexican stores.
Jackellyne says
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 says
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.
Berryblue says
Just make sure your strain the achote well and if you get severe headaches then it is cause by the achote and you should avoid cooking with it moving forward. Achote has properties in it that causes migraine headaches.
sare says
Hi, We can’t find this spice. I use turmeric powder and saffron to have colour for food. I’m interested in its taste. Thank you.
Amanda says
you can find it at some safeways
Neftali says
I can’t find achiote seeds where I live, but I can find achiote powder. Is the recipe the same with powder ?
Erica Dinho says
I didn’t make the oil with powder,but you can try it!I use powder for other recipes.
lauren says
tying to make a couple of recipes for the holdays
Anonymous says
Hello
I cannot find Achiote where i live and i see its a main spice in a lot of recipes.
Can i use a different spice that have the similar effect?
Thank you
Erica Dinho says
https://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/homemade-powdered-seasoning
Adi says
Hello
I cannot find Achiote where i live and i see its a main spice in a lot of recipes.
Can i use a different spice that have the similar effect?
Thank you
Erica Dinho says
Achiote adds color and a different and wonderful taste to a dish. You can make this seasoning at home: https://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/homemade-powdered-seasoning