How to Make Annatto Oil

Annatto oil is a cooking oil made from annatto seeds, used for its orange-red color and flavor. It’s an important ingredient in many Filipino dishes.

In this post we will share an easy recipe for making annatto oil, from start to finish.

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Table of Contents

What is Annatto Oil?

Annatto (achiote/atsuete/achuete) oil is an infused oil made from the seeds of annatto tree. The annatto tree grows in tropical areas of Africa, South America and Asia, and produces an annatto seed that is used to make the oil.

Annatto oil is known for its bright orange color and mild flavor, and has been used in cooking and coloring foods for over a thousand years.

Annatto has a slightly peppery, sweet, nutty, and earthy taste. It is referred to as the “poor man’s saffron.”

How is annatto oil used?

Annatto oil is used across many cuisines including Latin American, Filipino, Chamorro, Thailand, and Caribbean.

It is most commonly added to rice dishes such as paellas and fried rices, but it can also be used to color other foods as well.

It is used as a natural colorant for cheese, butter, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and other condiments. It is often used to add color to the yellow or orange curries of Thailand and Vietnam.

Annatto oil is even used in beauty care products such as lipsticks, lotions and shampoos!

In Filipino cuisine, it is used for many stews, meats, sauces, and marinades. Some notable dishes that use annatto oil include longganisa, chicken inasal, tortang kapampangan, and pancit palabok.

Health Benefits of Annatto Oil:

Annatto contains carotenoids, which gives the seed it’s orangish-red color. It has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve heart health. It also may promote eye health.

Why you should make annatto oil at home:

• It’s a lot cheaper than buying it in the store.
• You can control the flavor and quality of your annatto oil by using organic ingredients. Because you make it yourself, you know there won’t be any added chemicals or preservatives.
• It is very easy and quick to make, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen making this recipe. And if you cook with this ingredient often, you can make a large batch and store it in the fridge for future use. We always have a homemade jar of annatto oil ready for cooking!

How to Store Annatto Oil:

Keep annatto oil in a clean, airtight jar. Store it in the fridge for up to 6 months.

Annatto Oil Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp annatto seeds
• ¼ cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, etc.)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, heat oil and annatto seeds together until it just starts to boil. Once you see many small bubbles forming, turn off the heat.
2. Steep for 20 minutes, then strain the seeds out.

3. Allow to cool to room temp. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This essential ingredient will add rich flavor and colour to your dishes! Make this quick recipe a part of your cooking routine today!

Check out more sauce recipes and Filipino recipes!

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References & Further Reading

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annatto

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/annatto#benefits