Spice
Achiote
Also called annatto, achiote paste
What it is
Seeds of the achiote tree, often sold as a paste with garlic, spices and sour orange.
Origin
Mesoamerica and the Amazon.
Flavour
Earthy, slightly peppery, more colour than heat.
How to use it
Blend into marinades for al pastor and pibil. Paprika plus a little vinegar is a pale stand-in.
Storage
Paste in the fridge; seeds in the pantry.
Can you recognise Achiote?
Ingredient challengeQuestions about Achiote
From this ingredient's notes in the catalogue — not a chatbot.
What is Achiote?
Seeds of the achiote tree, often sold as a paste with garlic, spices and sour orange.
How do I use Achiote?
Blend into marinades for al pastor and pibil. Paprika plus a little vinegar is a pale stand-in.
How do I store Achiote?
Paste in the fridge; seeds in the pantry.
What does it taste like?
Earthy, slightly peppery, more colour than heat.
Nutrition
Per 100g · estimate · USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables. Values are typical, not lab tests of your shopping bag.
Recipes using it
Tacos al pastor
Tacos al pastor
Mexico City pork tacos with achiote, chilli and pineapple — shawarma technique that became something entirely Mexican.
3 hr 10 minMedium🌶️🌶️
Kare-kare
Kare-kare
A peanut stew, usually oxtail — thick, yellow-orange, and unfinished without bagoong on the side.
3 hr 25 minA bit of workNo chilli
Jamaican Pepper Shrimp
Jamaican Pepper Shrimp from Jamaica. Times were inferred from the source steps.
34 minMedium🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pollo en Salsa
Chopped pepper, onion and tomato and set aside. Turn on Instant Pot in sauteed setting for 8 minutes. Add a little bit of olive oil and add, onion, garlic, tomato, bell pepper, cumin, oregano salt and pepper and sauteed
44 minMediumNo chilli
Achiote Oil (Aceite Achiotado) Recipe
Achiote Oil (Aceite Achiotado) Recipe from Colombia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
18 minEasyNo chilli