Achiote, also called annatto, is a small red seed used across Latin American and Filipino cooking to add a warm orange-red colour and a mild, earthy flavour. It is used more for colour than for a strong taste, since the flavour on its own is subtle and slightly peppery.
Where to buy achiote in the UK
Achiote (annatto) is a specialist item, best found through a Filipino, Latin American or general Asian grocer, or online.
Which aisle is achiote in?
Mainstream UK supermarkets do not generally stock achiote, so it is not found in a standard aisle. Specialist grocers keep it with other spices and seasoning oils.
Asian supermarkets
A Filipino or Latin American grocer is the most reliable source, and often the only place to find whole seeds.
Buying it online
Online is a practical option for annatto oil or powder, given how specialist the whole seeds are.
Seeds vs ready-made oil
Ask specifically whether a shop stocks whole annatto seeds or only the ready-made oil, since whole seeds are considerably rarer and give you more control if you want to make your own achiote oil at home.
What is achiote?
How to use it
- Infused in oil, which is then used for frying to tint a dish orange-red.
- Sold ready-made as annatto oil or achiote powder, a shortcut to the same colour.
- Used in some versions of Filipino dishes for their characteristic reddish tint.
Where it is used beyond Filipino cooking
Achiote is also widely used in Latin American cooking, particularly Mexican and Yucatecan dishes, for the same reason, a warm red-orange colour with only a mild flavour of its own, it is one of the few spices used almost entirely for its visual effect on a dish.
Making achiote oil at home
Gently heat whole annatto seeds in oil over low heat for a few minutes until the oil turns a deep orange-red, then strain out the seeds, this keeps well in a sealed jar for future use.
How to store achiote
Whole annatto seeds keep almost indefinitely in a sealed jar in a cool cupboard, since they are simply dried seeds with no oil to go rancid until you infuse them yourself.
Keep whole seeds in a sealed jar in the cupboard. Annatto oil keeps for a few months once opened.
Frequently asked questions
Does achiote have a strong flavour?
No, it is mild and slightly earthy, used mainly for the colour it gives a dish.
Can I substitute paprika for achiote?
Paprika gives a similar red colour but a different, smokier flavour, so it works as a visual substitute more than a flavour match.
Is achiote the same as paprika?
No, though both give a red-orange colour, achiote has a milder, more distinct flavour and comes from a different plant entirely.
How do I make achiote oil at home?
Gently heat annatto seeds in oil until the oil turns a deep orange-red, then strain out the seeds.