Annatto Seed

Available from World Spice Merchants when we last checked. Sold from the shop’s own store; the price there is the one that counts.

Annatto seeds have a deep, earthy flavor and a vivid natural color. These hard, red seeds are a staple in many Latin American and Caribbean kitchens, where they are often used as the base for traditional achiote paste. Infusing the seeds in oil is a classic technique—yielding a red, flavorful oil that can be used in sautés, soups, rice, or sauces.