Discover Annatto a mysterious red plant

What is Annatto?

Annatto, also known as Achiote or Roucou, is much more than just a spice. Its vibrant color and unique taste make it a captivating discovery for culinary enthusiasts around the world. Picture a flavor that is both sweet and slightly bitter, with earthy and floral notes that awaken the taste buds.

How does Annatto grow?

Annatto comes from the Bixa orellana shrub, native to South America and cultivated in tropical regions. After the seeds germinate, the shrub grows rapidly, producing pink to white flowers that transform into spiny capsules containing the seeds. Once ripe, the capsules open to reveal seeds wrapped in orange-red pulp. After drying, the seeds are ready to be used whole or ground as a spice.

Why is Annatto recommended for health?

This small red spice is full of surprises. In addition to providing a striking visual touch to your dishes with its intense red color, Annatto is more than just a natural food coloring: it’s also good for your health. Thanks to its richness in antioxidants, it may help strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties make it a valuable ally for your daily well-being.

In what form does Annatto come?

We have chosen to offer Annatto in whole seeds. This presentation provides an authentic and versatile experience, allowing you to discover the full richness and freshness of this mysterious spice. Whole Annatto seeds retain their flavor and culinary potential intact, giving you the option to use them whole or grind them according to your preferences.

How to use Annatto?

Using Annatto is as simple as it is flavorful. Use it as a natural colorant to give a vibrant red hue to your dishes, or as a seasoning to add unmatched depth of flavor. Whether in savory dishes like stews and marinades, or in exotic desserts, Annatto offers irresistible culinary versatility.

Here are some common ways to use Annatto in cooking:

• Infusion in Oil: Heat olive oil or another neutral oil over low heat and add Annatto seeds. Let them infuse for a few minutes, then strain out the seeds. The oil will take on a beautiful orange-red color and can be used to sauté vegetables, meats, or seafood, adding color and flavor to your dishes. To add an intense color to your flavored oil, try this spicy olive oil recipe.
• Marinade: Crush the Annatto seeds and mix them with other spices, garlic, lemon juice, or vinegar to create an aromatic marinade. This marinade can be used to season meats before cooking, imparting a colorful hue and unique taste.
• Natural Food Coloring: Annatto seeds can be used directly as a natural food coloring. Boil the seeds in water for a few minutes, then use the colored water to tint dishes such as rice, sauces, soups, or pasta dishes.

By using Annatto in any of these simple ways, you can add a touch of exoticism and color to your dishes!

How to Pair Annatto with Famous Dishes?

Annatto and Cheese

Annatto, with its coloring properties and exotic spices, proves to be a gem in cheesemaking. Not only does it impart a shimmering and vibrant hue to cheeses, but it also infuses them with a unique depth of flavor. Imagine cheeses with reddish and golden tones, infused with the captivating warmth of Annatto, inviting a tasting experience that is both visual and gustatory.

Annatto in World Cuisines

And its usefulness doesn’t stop there. In Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines, Annatto serves as a bold substitute for saffron in iconic dishes such as paellas and risottos. It is also a key ingredient in Chinese cuisine, particularly Sichuanese, and an indispensable component of Chinese fondues or hot pots. Its palette of subtle, earthy, and slightly spicy flavors adds a new dimension to these classic dishes, while its vibrant color illuminates every plate, transforming an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Annatto as an Alternative to Saffron

Annatto serves as a good alternative to saffron, which is often expensive and subject to counterfeiting.

Recipe Ideas:

• Annatto Risotto: Prepare a simple risotto with onions and chicken broth infused with annatto.
• Annatto Tomato Rougail: Sauté olive oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers, then sprinkle with ground or crushed annatto and let it infuse.
• Annatto for Coloring Breads and Pasta: Try making a fougasse with annatto and rosemary, or incorporate annatto into lasagna dough.
• Snacked Annatto Tofu: Grill tofu and season with a soy sauce-honey-annatto mixture.
• Annatto Mussels Marinières with Pineau des Charentes: Prepare marinières-style mussels using annatto and Pineau des Charentes.
• Annatto Butternut Squash Soup with Sage: Create a butternut squash soup flavored with annatto and sage.
• Annatto Cassava Purée:Make a cassava purée seasoned with annatto.

These creative recipes showcase the versatility of annatto and how it can be used to add both color and flavor to a wide range of dishes.