RE: [CH] Sort of OT- Red Achiote
T. Matthew Evans (matt.evans@ce.gatech.edu)
Thu, 17 Apr 2003 09:22:10 -0400
Hi, Linda --
What you received are actually annatto seeds, which are used to make
achiote. Achiote is a seasoning paste commonly used in the Yucatan and
other parts of Mexico. A traditional Yucatean barbecue would involve
slathering some meat with achiote paste, wrapping it in banana leaves, and
burying it in some coals. The meat would be served with xni-pec, fresh corn
tortillas, and black beans.
The paste typically includes (among other things) ground annatto seeds, bay
leaves, garlic, and sour orange juice, but I don't have a recipe handy. I'm
sure you could Google one or check a Diana Kennedy or Rick Bayless cookbook.
Another nice use for annatto seeds is to make colored oils. I make several
different types of chile oil and sometimes I will add some annatto seed when
making an oil. This gives the oil a nice bright, natural red color and
makes for a pretty presentation, especially when paired with cilantro oil or
basil oil.
Have fun.
Matt
-------------------------------------
T. Matthew Evans
Graduate Research Assistant, School of CEE
Georgia Institute of Technology
URL: www.prism.gatech.edu/~gte964w
-------------------------------------
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-chile-heads@globalgarden.com
> [mailto:owner-chile-heads@globalgarden.com]On Behalf Of Linda Panter
> Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2003 9:42 PM
> To: chile-heads@globalgarden.com
> Subject: [CH] Sort of OT- Red Achiote
>
>
> Sort of OT but maybe not....? I have a packet of seasonings and chile
> seeds that I received as part of a gift. One packet is "red achiote". It
> contains little hard granules about the size of whole black
> peppercorns, or
> a bit smaller, but rough in shape as though they were freeze dried. (They
> aren't... just in a plastic bag.)
>
> What do I do with them? Are they seeds for planting or some kind of
> seasonings that I crush in a mortar and pestle? I seem to
> remember achiote
> as a Mexican seasoning but I have no idea what form these are.
>
> Help, anyone?
>
> TIA.... Linda
>