Annatto seed

This red seed comes from the Bixa orellana orachiote tree, a tree from Central America. This natural colouring agent was used by the American Indians for its medicinal virtues, its colour, as an insect repellent or body painting. They also used it for colouring their lips which is why it’s also called the “lipstick tree”.

Rocou seeds colours dishes orange and gives a slight earthy taste. It is widely used in Mexican and Asian cooking to colour sauces and rice dishes.

Our tip: grind the seeds roughly with a pestle and mortar, fry them gently in olive oil, remove the seeds from the heat once the oil turns orange. Fry your ingredients in this oil to colour your dish. You can also use buetter instead of oil.