Achiote
Paste or seeds with an intense red colour from the annatto tree. The base of cochinita pibil, pollo pibil and Yucatecan rice dishes. Adds an orange-red colour and earthy, mildly peppery flavour. Originally from Yucatán.
Estimated retail price
~£4.99 / 100g
Typical price at UK Mexican grocers
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How it's used in Mexican cooking
Achiote, part of the spices section of the Mexican pantry, appears in more than 20 recipes in our collection, including Tacos al Pastor, Cochinita Pibil Tacos and Yucatan-Style Grilled Fish (Tikin Xic). Each recipe shows step by step how it is added, in what quantity and which other ingredients it is paired with — the most reliable guide to how it is actually used in Mexican cooking.
Recipes with Achiote
TacosTacos al Pastor
TacosCochinita Pibil Tacos
StewsYucatan-Style Grilled Fish (Tikin Xic)
StewsSlow-Roasted Pork Pibil (Cochinita Pibil)
StewsCochito Horneado (Chiapas Roast Pork)
StewsPollo Ticuleño (Yucatecan Breaded Chicken)
StewsPibil de Pollo (Yucatecan Achiote Chicken)
TamalesTamales Colados (Yucatecan Strained-Dough Tamales)
SeafoodPejelagarto Asado (Grilled Gar Fish)
StewsJackfruit Barbacoa (Vegan Pulled Barbacoa)
DrinksTascalate (Chiapas Cacao Corn Drink)
MeatsSlow-Cooked Adobo Goat (Chivo Tapeado)
MeatsYucatecan Chicken in Annatto (Pollo en Achiote)
MeatsMexican-Style Roast Chicken
MeatsCarne Enchilada (Chilli-Rubbed Pork)
TacosRed Al Pastor Tacos (Traditional Chilli Adobo)
TacosCrispy Cochinita Pibil Tacos
TamalesMucbipollo (Pibipollo)
MeatsLonganiza de Valladolid
SaucesRecado Negro - Charred Chilli Spice Paste from Yucatán
Storage and substitutes
How to store it
Store spices in airtight jars away from light, heat and moisture. Ground spices lose their aroma within months, while whole ones (cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns) keep it far longer — grind them just before use. Seasoning pastes such as achiote should be refrigerated once opened.
Frequently asked questions
How many recipes use Achiote?
Achiote is used in more than 20 recipes in our collection, such as Tacos al Pastor and Cochinita Pibil Tacos. The full list, with a photo and link for each recipe, is on this page.
Where can I buy Achiote in the UK?
You can buy Achiote online via the Amazon link on this page, or look for it at Latin American grocers in the UK.
How should Achiote be stored?
Store spices in airtight jars away from light, heat and moisture. Ground spices lose their aroma within months, while whole ones (cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns) keep it far longer — grind them just before use. Seasoning pastes such as achiote should be refrigerated once opened.
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