Annatto Seed Whole 100g

Annatto is widely used in Latin America and the Caribbean cuisines as both a coloring agent and for flavoring. Central and South American Indians used the seeds to make a body paint, and as a lipstick. (also called achiote, and lipstick tree). A rusty red coloured seed also called achiote seed used both as a natural food colouring and flavouring agent, usually as a base of pastes for meats and fish dishes. Annatto is the product that colours specific types of cheese.

To make annatto (annato) oil:
Mix 1 /2 Cup annatto seed and 1 Cup vegetable oil. Over very low heat simmer 10 minutes, strain out seeds, refrigerate.

Once upon a time in Mexico
Annatto seeds were featured in the film 'Once upon a time in Mexico' by Robert Rodriguez. They were used in the dish Puerco Pibil. Many people have purchased these from us to recreate the dish. It is easy to tell when this film has been on free to air TV as a huge spike in sales will result. Below is the actual ingredients used in the film we can help with some but not all happy hunting.

Puerco Pibil by Robert Rodriguez
5 Tbs. annato seeds
2 tsp. cumin seeds
1 Tbs. whole black peppercorns
8 whole allspice
1/2 tsp. whole cloves
2 habanero chiles
1/2 orange juice
1/2 white vinegar
2 Tbs. salt
8 garlic cloves, peeled
Juice of 5 lemons
splash of Tequila
Approx 5 lb. pork shoulder
banana leaves