Annatto Seed

Used as the base for achiote paste, the hard, red, Annatto Seed has a unique flavor often found in Latin American dishes. Deep, rich coloring comes from an oil brewed with the seed- just strain and added to sautes, sauces, and rice dishes. The flavor is hard to pinpoint, but has musty base flavors and bright, peppery top notes. The pod it is harvested from looks like a cross between a porcupine and a heart shaped pillow. Weird, eh?