Re: [CH] Sort of OT- Red Achiote
Brent Thompson (brent@hplbct.hpl.hp.com)
Thu, 17 Apr 2003 08:47:02 -0700
> What you received are actually annatto seeds, which are used to make
> achiote. Achiote is a seasoning paste commonly used in the Yucatan and
> other parts of Mexico.
The plant Bixa orellana is called 'annatto' in English, and 'achiote' in
Spanish. The two names refer to exactly the same thing.
I have no idea whether the word 'achiote' is also used to refer to a
prepared spice mix or not, akin to the term 'chile powder' referring both
to 'powdered chile' and 'a mix containing powdered chile and other spices'.
Annatto is still commonly used in USA to give yellow color to margarine and
various cheeses.
--- Brent