Annatto Seeds

Annatto seeds are the tiny, brick-red seeds of the achiote tree — and the secret behind the golden-orange color in everything from cheddar cheese and butter to traditional Caribbean and Latin American dishes. Their flavor is earthy and subtly peppery, with faint notes of nutmeg. They're primarily used as a natural food coloring, but also contribute a gentle, aromatic warmth when cooked in oil or fat.

To use, heat the seeds in oil or butter until the oil turns deep orange, then remove the seeds and use the vibrant infused oil as the base for rice, meat marinades, or the classic Puerto Rican sofrito and recaito. A small amount goes a long way.

• Natural orange-red food coloring — earthy, subtly peppery flavor
• Essential in Caribbean, Latin American, and Filipino cooking
• Use to make achiote oil for rice, meats, and sofrito bases
• A natural alternative to artificial food dyes
• Hand-filled by The Marks Trading Company
• Available in Trial Size, 2 oz, 4 oz, and Jar (1/2 Cup)