What kind of spice is achiote?!
What kind of spice is achiote?
Answers:
Achiote and Annatto and what Sprouts from the Seed
The small hard achiote seed, which is also called the annatto seed, is sold both whole and ground. It is prized in Indian and Hispanic cuisine for its slightly bitter, earthy flavor and russet color. In the United States, annatto extract is used to color butter, margarine, and cheese. Here are some other ways achiote seeds are used:
Achiote Oil: any bland oil that has been flavored and colored with achiote seeds. It is used in Mexican and Indian cuisine to add a bright reddish-brown color and a distinctive flavor to many foods including fish, fowl, meats, rice dishes, and tamales .
Achiote Paste: specific to Yucatan and Oaxacan cuisine, this paste is made from ground achiote seeds, water or vinegar, and sometimes other herbs and spices such as cinnamon, bay leaf, cilantro, salt, cloves, and oregano. It can be used in moles, tamales, stews, rice dishes, and with meats and seafood.
Its Mexican, isn't it?
Lynn O is right. Think of it like a paprika that is not spicy.