Annatto (achiote)
achiote; atsuete (Filipino)
- Flavor and role
- Seeds of the annatto tree; their flavour is only a subtle earthiness and peppery note, and they are mainly used for their orange-red colour. Infused in oil or used as a paste (recado).
- Typical dishes and uses
- Cochinita pibil, tacos al pastor, Filipino kare-kare and pancit, colouring Cheddar cheese.
- Substitutes
- For colour only, use 1 tsp paprika + ¼ tsp turmeric.
- Storage
- Seeds: 2-3 years airtight in a cool place. Annatto oil: 1 month in the fridge. Achiote paste: 6 months in the fridge once opened.
- Main countries
- Mexico · Philippines · Peru
Updated 2026-10-10