Ground Annatto
Ground Annatto
Ground Annatto, Bixa orellana, is also called annatto ground, ground achiote, or achiote powder. When used in cooking, Ground Annatto is often referred to as achiote.
Annatto seeds grow on a shrub like plant that produces heart-shaped pods that mature to a brown or reddish brown in color and are covered with stiff, short hairs. The seeds range in color from yellow to red to black, and are used as a natural food dye in dairy products like butter and cheese. The seed is composed of up to 5% by weight of a bright red pigment that is soluble in both water and oil.
Ground Annatto is popular with Mexican restaurants; food trucks; brewpubs; seasoning companies; independent spice shops; and manufacturers of peanuts, peanut brittle, snacks, and vegan cheese.
We also offer whole Annatto Seeds. The seeds are extremely hard; we do not recommend trying to grind them at home.
Flavor Profile
Ground Annatto has a delicate, mildly sweet taste with peppery and flowery undertones.
How to Use
Use Ground Annatto to make Achiote Oil to flavor chicken, fish, meats, rice, tamales, and vegetables. Toss potatoes, onions, and peppers with it in these Tex Mex Hash Browns. Ground Annatto is used in pork marinades and in sofritos; add to Chicken Sofrito Stew for extra color and earthy flavor. In Venezuela they're used in the condiment aliño criollo, or “Creole dressing”. Achiote paste is a critical part of the Yucatan region's signature dish Pollo Pibil, marinated chicken wrapped in a banana leaf and cooked in a fire pit.
Ground Annatto goes well with beef, chicken, egg dishes, legumes, okra, onions, pork, rice, squash, sweet peppers, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.
Also Called | Annatto ground, ground achiote, or achiote powder |
Species | Bixa orellana |
Ingredients | Ground annatto seeds |
Flavor Profile | Delicate, mildly sweet taste with peppery and flowery undertones |
Pigment content | Up to 5% |
Recommended Uses | Achiote oil, meats, rice, tamales, marinades, sofritos, spice blends, eggs, vegetables |
Cuisine | Mexican and Latin American |
How To Store | Airtight container in a cool, dark place |
Shelf Life | 6-12 months |
Country of Origin | Peru |
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size1 tsp
Amount Per Serving
Calories14
% Daily Value*
Total Fat0g0%
Saturated Fat0g0%
Trans Fat0g
Polyunsaturated Fat0g
Monounsaturated Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg0%
Sodium0.0mg0%
Total Carbohydrate2.2g1%
Dietary Fiber1.4g6%
Total Sugars0.0g
Added Sugars0g0%
Sugar Alcohol0.0g
Protein0.7g1%
Vitamin D0mcg0%
Calcium0mg0%
Iron0mg2%
Potassium0mg0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. These values were calculated and therefore are approximate. For more accuracy, testing is advised.