Are these for real??

[nanadee]

I have a recipe that calls for 2 spices I can't seem to locate..recaito & achiote. Have you ever heard of these spices? I am beginning to wonder if the writer made a mistake.

[luv2cook]

I have heard of the achiote. While I cannot tell you exactly what it is, I have used it in mexican food dishes. I have found it in seed form at some cooking stores...sorry i can't be of more help.

[kentgirl]

I found some information for you for these two items. Hope it helps!

achiote seed: ah-chee-OH-tay The slightly musky-flavored seed of the ANNATTO tree is available whole or ground in East Indian, Spanish and Latin American markets. Buy whole seeds when they're a rusty red color; brown seeds are old and flavorless. Achiote seed is also called ANNATTO which, in its paste and powder form, is used in the United States to color butter, margarine, cheese and smoked fish. http://www.foodtv.com/terms/tt-r2/0,1991,13,00.html

Here’s a website to purchase the achiote paste: http://www.delmayab.com/

recaito: a seasoning made using recao, cilantro, onions, garlic, peppers. http://www.elboricua.com/food_vocabulary.html

Here’s a website with a recipe to make your own recaito: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/5217/recaito.htm

Here’s a place where you can buy the seasoning for $1.89 http://store.yahoo.com/tayabas/recaitogoya6oz.html

[Beth]

Okay, I had to go look. The book I pulled don't have them listed, and neither Penzey's nor The Spice House carry them. The Coyote Pantry has a list of sources, and these look like the best bets:

Coyote Cafe General Store
132 W Water St
Sante Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-2454
Chilies, spices, herbs, etc.

B. Riley
607A Jaun Tabo Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
(505) 275--0902
herbs

Italco Food Products
1340 S. Cherokee St
Denver CO 80223
(303) 722-1882

There is also a website ethnicgrocer.com, and perhaps someone will have other suggestions. Gail might even know what these are or if we might know them by another name.

Ahah! Kentgirl beat us both, but I do know that Penzey's carries annatto seedds and has instructions on making achiote (annatto oil used for red coloring). Basically, you simmer 1/2 cup seeds in 1 cup oil for 10 min and strain. They sell 1/4 cup jar for $1.19, 1/2 cup jar for $2.29, and 4 0z bag (about 3/4 cup) for $1.99.


[This message has been edited by Beth (edited 12-10-2000).]

[nanadee]

A million thanks to all of you for your help.....

[Vanessa]

Hi. WAnt to add that the website mentioned was great. Enjoyed even listening to some children songs.
Now regarding achiote this is the seed of a tropical tree Bixa orellana that produces a dye used for coloring. Originally the Indians used the seeds to paint their bodies and faces. Nowdays we use them for coloring certain foods. It is used for the popular arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) If for some reason you cannot find achiote seeds (annato) you can substitute coloring the dish with saffron . If saffron is not available then paprika.
The basic recipe for achiote coloring (used in Puertorican cooking)
2 c veg oil
1 cup achiote seeds
In saucepan heat fat. Turn heat to low and add seeds and stir for 5 minutes or until fat turns to a rich orange red color. Cool throughly. Strain and pour into a glass container. Cover and store in refrigerator to be used by tablespoons as called for in recipes.
Recaito is also known as sofrito which is used as flavoring in many native dishes. In certain states you will find this in a glass jar where Goya products are sold or in freezer containers in major latin cities (NY, Boston etc)
Prctical Sofrito
is made in amounts and frozen leaving a jar in the refrigerator for inmediate use. This recipe yields 12 8 ounce jars 3/4 th full
2 pounds onions peeled
2 pounds green peppers seeded
1/2 pound sweet chili peppers seeded
1/4 pound cloves garlic peeled
30 fresh culantro leaves (long leaves)
* The above is washed and cut into pieces
2 tab dried oregano
1/2 pound cured ham washed cut into pieces
1 1/2 c veg oil
Process in Cuisinart or blender onions through culantro alternating with oregano. In same receptacle add ham and mix well
In caldero (heavy kettle) pour veg oil add ingredients that were processed in the cUisinart and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to mod and cook 20-mins. Allow to cool throughly and spoon into containers 3/4 full and set in freezer Leave one container in refrigerator for use.