Achiote
Spices$3.49 / packApproximate price based on US supermarkets.
Paste or seeds with an intense red color from the annatto tree. The base of cochinita pibil, pollo pibil and Yucatecan rice dishes. Adds an orange-red color and earthy, mildly peppery flavor. Originally from Yucatán.
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How it's used in Mexican cooking
Achiote, part of the spices section of the Mexican pantry, appears in 12 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 using achiote
Tacos al Pastor
Cochinita Pibil Tacos
Yucatan-Style Grilled Fish (Tikin Xic)
Slow-Roasted Pork Pibil (Cochinita Pibil)
Cochito Horneado (Chiapas Roast Pork)
Pollo Ticuleño (Yucatecan Breaded Chicken)
Pibil de Pollo (Yucatecan Achiote Chicken)
Tamales Colados (Yucatecan Strained-Dough Tamales)
Pejelagarto Asado (Grilled Gar Fish)
Jackfruit Barbacoa (Vegan Pulled Barbacoa)
Tascalate (Chiapas Cacao Corn Drink)
Slow-Cooked Adobo Goat (Chivo Tapeado)
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 12 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 US?
You can buy Achiote online via the Amazon link on this page, or look for it at Mexican and Latino grocery stores in the US.
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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