A tree which produces a spice with a scent that can be related to pepper and nutmeg. The Achiote tree can be found in parts of our country. It's seeds called Annato not only is used as a spice but also known to be used for lipstick. Not a lot of these trees can be found in our small city but during our short walk in the province Afternoon Dirt Road. This small tree immediately caught my attention.

The Lipstick Tree

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No to synthetic food coloring and yes to all natural food color. The seeds brings a red orange color and an exotic flavor to your dishes which I love so much. It is known that in some parts of the world it is used by the natives as body paint. As for the lipstick well my grandma told me stories how she used this as a lipstick during one of the local pageant procession. Today I am not just sure if we have companies that use this as an ingredient for lipstick.

The pigment of the seeds is called bixin and can be extracted in many ways. One is just mixing the dried seeds with water and the orange color can be readily used for your cooking.

Annatto Oil

If you want something to add on your spice rack you could make this oil. A process which is very easy to do.

Around half cup of oil (preferably olive or canola for a healthier choice)
4 tablespoons of dried annatto seeds
Put on low heat
Stir for 2-3 minutes
Set aside and let it cool down

Now you just need to put it in a bottle for your cooking needs. The peppery scent is amazing and we even have a restaurant here that uses it as a condiment to add to your rice or chicken.

Here is one of the pods which has opened up and already a bit dried up. I'll take one home and have it planted hoping I could get a tree of my own.

What I love most is cooking with this spice. I have done a couple of dishes using it and with photos of the extraction process. If interested please do have a look as you would not regret it I promise.

A Humble Dish "Bacalao"
Clay Pot Cooking "Annato Chicken Adobo"