Chieftain^® Wild Rice Company

ANNATTO SEED

Description:

Annatto Seed is the seed from a flowering tree also known as a Lipstick tree.  Lipstick tree refers to the cosmetic use of the plant as much of the red color found in lipstick results from the dye found in the pulp that surrounds the seeds.  The tree has glossy leaves and pink star-burst flowers.  The seedpods are picked just as they begin to split and are then dried.  The seeds are small, triangular shaped and velvety red with a soft texture and earthy dusk flavor.  The Annatto Seed is currently used as a flavoring and food coloring in Central and Northern South America.  Dubbed “the poor mans Saffron”, Annatto imparts a rich yellow-orange color in Caribbean, Latin American and Filipino cuisines.  Annatto or better known to Mexican and Latin markets as achiote, is an effective and natural coloring used to tint confectionery, butter, smoked fish and cheese.  It is also used in textile manufacturing.  The Mayan Indians used Annatto Seed to make a bright dye to use as war paint.  In the Caribbean, the seeds are usually fried in oil and the orange-yellow fat is used to fry vegetables or meats providing a bright and exotic appearance for many kinds of dishes.

Suggested Use:

Used in the preparation of vegetables such as okra, plantains, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and peppers, Annatto works well with beans, grains, rice and lighter meats such as fish and fowl.  To make the colored oil, combine 1/2-cup olive oil with 2 Tablespoons Annatto Seeds in a small skillet. Heat over medium- high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until the oil takes on a deep golden color. Remove from heat, cool, strain and use as desired.