Annatto Seeds Organic

€3,00 EUR

Weight 50 g 100 g 500 g 1 kg

Annatto seeds are one of the most impressive natural colorants in the world with a history of thousands of years in cooking and dyeing. From Central America to the Caribbean, annatto has been used for centuries to give food its characteristic yellow-orange or deep yellow color. Organically grown, without pesticides.

The spice we use

Whole organic annatto seeds in their natural form. Unprocessed, without additives. They are used by boiling in oil or water to impart their color to food.

Botanical identity

They come from the plant Bixa orellana, family Bixaceae. It is cultivated in tropical regions of Central and South America and the Caribbean. The coloring substance bixin/norbixin is what gives the intense color and is listed in the food industry as E160b.

Aroma, color and taste

Light aroma with notes of slight pepperiness, clove, and a faint earthy taste. Deep orange-yellow color in the seeds, yellow-orange in the oil or water they release. Slightly sweet taste with a subtly spicy undertone.

How it is used

Boil the seeds in oil or butter for 5–10 minutes on low heat and the oil will take on an impressive color. Alternatively, you can grind them into a powder and use it directly. A key ingredient in Latin American cuisine (achiote paste), in rice for yellow-orange coloring, and in cheeses for coloring. If you love exotic ingredients, also check out organic black cumin for deep Latin American compositions.

Combinations

It pairs perfectly with garlic, cumin, and oregano in Mexican achiote marinades. With olive oil in rice for an impressive coloring note when serving cheese and rice.