Puerto Rican Achiote, Achiotina, Bija, Annatto seeds

Bixa Orellana. 100 % ALL Organic. 1 Lb

1 Lb (Box included) annatto seeds, sun-dried, 100% natural

Annatto seeds have a reddish powder which is used as a vegetable tint for soaps, rice, margarine, cheese, body paint, cosmetic, textile dye and many other products. It is believed to come from Brazil but was carried throughout Central and South America by the Indians, who used the coloring as body paint, and by women, who used it as lipstick. A perfect tomato paste substitute. The dye contains Vitamin C.

Mexican cooks often use a paste (achiote) of annatto seeds with some preservatives that dissolves completely in hot fat; it is easy to use and can also be added to marinades, sauces, tamales and meat rubs to improve taste and color.

Puerto Rican, Dominican style Achiote / Achiotina Oil recipe:

1 cup vegetable or corn oil + 1/2 cup annatto (achiote seeds)

Combine both ingredients in a small saucepan. Gently cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful as seeds may pop up. Strain oil and store in glass container in the refrigerator.
The oil will have a strong red-orange color. Use in Spanish rice, meats, soups, bean soups, pasteles en hoja.

How to store:

Keep in air tight glass container (best) or simply store in a cool/dark/ dry place in Ziploc bags.

Our Annatto - Achiote seeds are 100% Natural.  Freshly picked, Sun-dried then cleaned up. Ships in Ziploc bags. Our farm use no chemicals, pesticides, herbicides or anything but organic fertilizers on our land.