Aceite de achiote or annatto oil is used to add color to food. Annatto is an orange-red condiment and food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical parts of the Americas. Annatto is the main component in sazón, which gives food an orange color. Aceite de achiote is a staple in Puerto Rican and Caribbean cuisine. In Puerto Rico, we use annatto oil to make arroz con gandules, pasteles, alcapurrias, and so much more. I even make homemade sazón with ground annatto, and it turns out amazing!
Annatto is used to give many foods their yellow or orange color. For example, foods like butter, margarine, and cheese contain annatto. Many other processed foods like Goldfish, Cheetos, and graham crackers also contain annatto.
What do annatto seeds taste like?
The flavor of annatto is often described as nutty, earthy, and peppery. It is quite mild so the flavor doesn’t overpower most foods, making it ideal for adding color.
Where can I buy annatto seeds?
Annatto seeds are sold at most Latin + Caribbean supermarkets and grocery stores. Some Asian markets also sell annatto seeds.
Aceite de achiote ingredients:
- Oil
- Annatto seeds
How to make annatto oil?
Making aceite de achiote is super easy. Place a small pot over medium low heat. Add the oil and annatto seeds. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the oil turns bright red. Be careful the oil doesn’t get too hot or the seeds will burn and turn bitter.
Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 20 minutes. Place a strainer over a funnel and pour the oil into a glass bottle. Store the annatto oil at room temperature for up to one month. All of the items I used for this recipe are linked on my Amazon store.
How long does annatto oil last?
Annatto oil can be stored at room temperature for a couple of months, but I suggest keeping for up to one month for best results. Be sure to store in a glass bottle with a tight fitting lid.
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Aceite de Achiote (Annatto Oil)
Equipment
- 1 small pot
- 1 strainer
- 1 funnel
- 1 glass bottle with lid see notes for links!
Ingredients
- 2 cups avocado oil or any neutral oil
- 1/2 cup annatto seeds
- 6 cloves garlic optional
Instructions
- Place a small pot over medium low heat.
- Add the oil and annatto seeds.
- Cook for about 5 minutes or until the oil turns bright red. Be careful the oil doesn't get too hot or the seeds will burn and turn bitter.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 20 minutes.
- Place a strainer over a funnel and pour the oil into a glass bottle.
- Store the annatto oil at room temperature for up to one month.
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Just made this achoite oil. I did add garlic and cilantro. It smells wonderful!! Thank you for the recipe. I wanted one that would use the entire contents of grapeseed oil. Your recipe was it!
Thanks again Maryann.