Annatto seed is also known as achiote or poor man’s saffron. Its intense color allows even a small amount to greatly impact the appearance of a dish. Certain Latin American or Caribbean meat or rice dishes simply will not have an authentic look and taste unless you use this spice. Unfortunately, annatto seeds are not the most user-friendly spice. The difficulty of using them is multiplied if you are unfamiliar with them. They do not work like most other spices, which means that you should keep the tips below in mind to get the best results. Here are some of the dos and don’ts of using annatto seeds.
Table of Contents
- Do buy prepared annatto seeds if you want convenience.
- Do use annatto seeds to get the authentic flavor note from Mexican rice.
- Do use annatto seeds in combination with other spices.
- Do use whole annatto seeds to make annatto oil.
- Do steep annatto seeds in water or broth.
- Do store annatto correctly.
- Don’t use whole annatto seeds in cooking.
- Don’t go overboard with annatto seeds.
- Must-read related posts
Do buy prepared annatto seeds if you want convenience.
Prepared annatto can come in a powder form or as a paste that is usually called achiote paste. In both cases, the seeds will be ready to use with no further steps.
Do use annatto seeds to get the authentic flavor note from Mexican rice.
As the poor man’s saffron, annatto seeds are often used as an affordable way to give an approximation of saffron’s flavor and color.
Do use annatto seeds in combination with other spices.
Annatto seeds’ mild flavor is not suitable for use alone or even as the main seasoning in a spice blend. Annatto seeds pair well with spices like cumin, garlic, and chili peppers.
Do use whole annatto seeds to make annatto oil.
Simply soak the seeds in canola oil until some of the pigment from the seeds infuses into the oil to make it a bright yellow-orange. You can then use the annatto oil to give foods annatto’s distinctive shade. A good formula is 1/2 cup of annatto seeds to a cup of oil. Heat the oil and seeds together and then let them sit until they reach room temperature. Strain the seeds out and discard them.
Do steep annatto seeds in water or broth.
If you would rather not use oil to draw the pigment out of your annatto seeds, you can use plain water or a water-based liquid.
Do store annatto correctly.
Even though annatto seeds are usually used for their color rather than for flavor, they can provide an earthy note with hints of pepper if you use them when fresh and when you use them in high enough concentrations. If you want their flavor in your food, store annatto in an airtight container away from light. Proper storage can keep your annatto tasting fresh for years.
Don’t use whole annatto seeds in cooking.
Annatto seeds are very hard; in fact, they are closer to gravel in texture than they are to most other spices. Cooking won’t soften them much, either. They will remain the same texture even after long hours of cooking. Don’t try crushing them with standard implements like a mortar and pestle or a blender. Not only will you wind up with seeds that have not been broken down, but you are also likely to stain your equipment.
Don’t go overboard with annatto seeds.
If you use too much of this spice, it will give your food an even more intense reddish-orange color, but it will also make it bitter even though the spice has a relatively mild flavor.
Must-read related posts
- What’s A Good Annatto Seeds Substitute? What options do you have if there is none in-house?
- Why Is Saffron So Expensive? Scarcity plays a part, but there are other reasons, too.
- Cooking With Saffron: Learn the dos and don’ts of using it in your kitchen.