Achiote Paste

You may not have heard of achiote, although it is a natural colorant widely used in Central America and Mexico, as well as in warm Andean areas bordering the Amazon.

It comes from a small arborescent tree, known as Bixa orellana, which provides a fleshy, oval fruit whose seeds give rise to the spice. In some countries it is used as a substitute for saffron, in fact, it is colloquially known as the "saffron of the Latins".

What is achiote paste

Achiote is a paste made from chili peppers and spices that stands out for being the main condiment in the recipe of cochinita pibil, a unique dish of Yucatecan gastronomy.

This natural reddish colorant has been used since pre-Columbian times. Ancient texts mention that the Mayan and Aztec cultures used this material to dye clothes and paint the body. Today, in Latin America, it is used as a natural food coloring and condiment.

What is the scientific name of achiote?

Although it is known as achiote, onoto, axiote and urucú, its scientific name is Bixa Orellana. This tree can reach a height of four to five meters. Its flowers are large and showy, and its fruits have the shape of hairy capsules containing 10 to 60 red seeds inside.

This shrub is known for its seeds, which are widely used in the gastronomy of several Latin American countries, mainly as a colorant and condiment in the preparation of different dishes.

How achiote is eaten

Achiote paste is full of flavor. It brings to our dishes intense, spicy flavors, a touch of spiciness, with slightly nutty and smoky nuances, as well as giving them a vibrant reddish color.

Its flavor is difficult to define, as it is a mixture of earthy, smoky, spicy and sweet notes. This makes it an ideal ingredient to combine with various flavors.

Today, it is used as a popular condiment not only in Mexico, but also in much of Latin America. It is an essential ingredient in the preparation of chorizo and longaniza, contributing to its characteristic color. In the state of Chiapas, it is used to prepare the traditional tascalate drink, to which it adds an extraordinary flavor.

In the production of certain cheeses, such as cheddar, it is indispensable. Even in China, it is used to give color and flavor to soups, curry dishes and meats. It is also essential in the preparation of pibil dishes. "Pibil" refers to a Mayan cooking technique that involves cooking meats marinated in achiote in a subway oven-barbecue, wrapped in banana leaves.

Not only pork, but also chicken, fish, and seafood can be cooked in this way, bearing the surname "pibil". The most outstanding dish is Cochinita Pibil, a traditional Yucatecan stew made with pork marinated in achiote. This dish is prepared with the traditional achiote paste, ideal for delicious cochinita pibil tacos, tacos al pastor, tamales de bola, among others

Where to buy achiote paste in Madrid

At Frutas Charito you can find 100% original achiote, with quality achiote seeds, and in a 225 gr jar presentation. You can buy achiote paste in our physical fruit and vegetable store in Madrid, located in C/ Bolivia, 9, Bancas 2-8, Ground Floor, Mercado de Chamartín, and also in our online store.

Properties of achiote paste

Achiote paste is an outstanding food because of its richness in phytonutrients, including a variety of carotenoids, among which bixin predominates. This compound confers antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties, which contributes to its efficacy in the prevention of various diseases and in the promotion of health in general. The presence of carotenoids and flavonoids in achiote boosts its antioxidant capacity, which helps fight free radicals responsible for premature aging, thus keeping skin young and healthy.

In addition, achiote is recognized for its digestive benefits and its ability to improve stomach health, mitigating pain and acidity thanks to its bixin content, which also strengthens the liver's detoxification function. Research suggests that it may be effective against fungi and bacteria that cause infections in different parts of the body, such as Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammatory agents in the body, thus facilitating rapid healing of wounds, burns and other skin damage.

Recipes with annatto

• Gajo potatoes with achiote
• Potato tortillas in achiote
• Chicken with achiote
• Chicken marinated with achiote
• Steak in achiote marinade
• Lean pork in tomato and achiote