Step-by-Step Guide to Making Annatto Oil & Its Top Uses

Did you know that you can make your own annatto oil with just three simple ingredients? This is an Amazonian secret that enhances both flavor and color in cooking.

Annatto oil, Achiote oil or Atsuete Oil! One of the king ingredients in Latin American and Caribbean kitchens, this Amazonian secret can add a peppery flavor to your signature cuisine. It can also add subtle colors to the dishes, making them more mouth-watering.

But isn't it surprising that despite its vibrant presence in cuisines, annatto oil remains unknown to the broader public?

What is Annatto Oil? Everything You Need To Know

Extracted from annatto seeds, annatto oil is a natural food coloring agent. It is often used in Caribbean, Vietnamese, and Philippine dishes to give them a warm orange color. The culture of annatto oil started in tropical regions and is now popular worldwide, including in a significant portion of Asian countries.

The Untold History of 'Annatto Oil'

Presently known as a natural colorant, annatto oil has a fantasizing story. For centuries, annatto oil has played a vital role beyond just cooking; it is a spiritual symbol, warrior's paint, and a natural remedy. In the Mayan and Aztec civilizations, annatto and its oily extract were used in war rituals. Warriors used to paint their bodies before wars to signify courage and strength.

Do you know what's more fascinating? In Amazonian tribes, sun worshippers and tribal healers used annatto oil for sacred rituals and spiritual protection. According to legends, the divine red color of annatto can even ward off evil spirits and negative energies. Though it lacks historical evidence, folk sources suggest that annatto oil was used as a natural aphrodisiac among ancient cultures.

Other Names

Based on regions or linguistic demographics, annatto oil is also known as Achiote oil, Atsuete oil, Bija oil, and Urucum oil.

Nutritional Constituents of Annatto Oil

Derived from annatto seeds, annatto oil also contains nutrients like carotenoids, terpenoids, tocotrienols, fatty acids, and other plant-based compounds.

Common Uses

Annatto oil is used in culinary dishes as a natural food condiment. It is also used in medical science and skin care. The FDA has approved the use of annatto as an ingredient in cosmetics; meanwhile, in Europe, it is licensed under E number E160b, which makes it safe for other uses.

Making Annatto Oil At Home

Unlike dried annatto seeds, annatto oil is not always present in the grocery store. However, the good news is that you can prepare it at your home in a few steps with just three ingredients.

Ingredients You Need

Here is the list of ingredients that you must need for preparing annatto oil at home:

1. Annatto Seeds

You can either collect the seeds naturally from the Annatto flower and dry them in sunlight or use a hot air oven. Remember that it takes several days to dry annatto seeds naturally in sunlight. Additionally, you can also purchase seeds from an online or offline store. Keep in mind that you are buying seeds and no other form of annatto extract. Make sure to double-check the expiration dates.

2. Carrier Oil/ Neutral Oil

Next, you need to find an edible carrier oil. A neutral oil with no flavor or characteristics is ideal, as it can bring out the essence of annatto seeds without affecting their structure or properties. You can choose between avocado, corn, and grapeseed oil. You may also use refined coconut oil, but it can turn solid at room temperature or in cold weather. 

3. Garlic

Garlic or clove is totally optional but highly recommended, as they may add flavor to the oil. Most importantly, they can cover the smell of annatto seeds, which can sometimes overpower them.

Utensils and Cutlery You May Need

While there is no such hard and fast rule for making annatto oil, you may require the following utensils and cutlery:

• Mason Jar/ Air Tight Container: To store the prepared annatto oil.

• Strainer: Fine mesh sieve for filtering out seeds and other residues from the final product.

• Funnel: For storing or pouring carrier oil and annatto oil from one container to another.

• Spatula: For stirring annatto seeds in the oil.

• Sauce Pan: For frying or heating oil and other ingredients during the process.

How To Make Annatto Oil At Home in 6 Simple Steps

Before cooking annatto oil, make sure that you have all the ingredients prepared with you beforehand on the counter. Next, follow the given steps:

Step 1: Start with heating neutral oil over medium heat for a few minutes.

Step 2: Once the oil turns hot, add the annatto seeds.

Step 3: Fry for at least 2-3 minutes or until the oil acquires a vibrant orange color.

Step 4: Once you can note the signature annatto hue, turn off the flame and add crushed garlic cloves to it.

Step 5: Let the oil cool for 15-20 minutes to extract the deeper color and nutrients.

Step 6: At last, strain the oil through a fine-sieve mesh and store it in a clean, air-tight jar for later use.

Ratio of Annatto Seeds and Neutral Oil

The ratio between annatto seeds and carrier oil totally depends on the hue you want in annatto oil. In general, you may use 2 tbsp annatto seeds in ½ cup of neutral oil.

Storing Annatto Oil

Once prepared and cooled, you can store annatto oil in an airtight container or Mason Jar. You can either store it in your kitchen for about one month or in the refrigerator for up to three months. 

How To Use Annatto Oil

How can you use annatto oil? Well, there are plenty of ways to use annatto as a condiment to add a signature appeal to your dishes, especially those that demand a bright orange color. Imagine replacing the artificial colors with natural colors carrying the antioxidative benefits of tocotrienols. Here are a few uses of annatto oil:

1. Curries

Curry is a popular dish worldwide. It is a gravy or sauce seasoned with aromatic spices. To give your dish a vibrant orange color, you can sauté spices and curry leaves in annatto oil.

Noodle sauces enhance the flavors and colors of Chinese cuisine. To achieve a mouth-watering color without adding chilies, you may cook the noodles with annatto oil.

2. Saté

The term 'Saté' might not be widespread worldwide. It is a Vietnamese homemade chili oil made from annatto oil, which is known for its deep red color. It is a key ingredient of native beef soup called Bún Bò Huế.

3. Marinades

You may also use annatto oil to marinate meat and fish. Annatto, being rich in tocotrienols, adds antioxidative health benefits to meat and fish meals. However, for marinades, you may add additional spices like lemon grass and bay leaves. It also masks the odor, allowing herbs to stick to the surface.

4. Cheese and Butter

If you are trying to make cheese or butter at home, you can use annatto oil to add a light yellow color. However, you must consider the number of annatto seeds to get the final color.

Commercial Extraction of Annatto Oil

On a commercial level, annatto extract is prepared by combining the seeds of the Bixa orellana fruit with a liquid. Later, the mixture is treated with acid, and the resulting pigment is suspended in oil or water. 

Annatto Oil Uses Beyond Culinary Color

Beyond its food coloring properties, annatto oil is also known for its therapeutic effect.

1. For Skin Protection

Indigenous Amazonian tribes used annatto oil as a natural sunscreen and for wound healing. And guess what? They got it right centuries before. Recent clinical trials support the free radical protection and wound healing of annatto extract due to the presence of carotenoids and tocotrienols.

2. For Cosmetic Use

In modern days, annatto extract is used in cosmetics like lipsticks and eye shadows for its deep pigmentation. Additionally, studies support that due to its antioxidative properties, annatto oil can be used in cosmetics to soften fine lines and restore the skin's glow. The best part is that annatto oil is natural and vegan, thus suiting most skin types.

Potential Health Benefits of Annatto Oil

Current research supports the therapeutic effects of annatto oil. It carries antioxidant,  antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it may promote cellular health and may help with skin and heart health. However, human-based studies are still limited and require thorough research before making health claims or defining mechanisms of action.

Final Takeaway

Commonly used in tropical kitchens, annatto oil can also be your secret ingredient in your kitchen and wellness routine. All you need is to follow the right recipe and steps for a mouth-watering taste. With the guide mentioned above, you can prepare DIY annatto oil right away and find your way to colorful and mouth-watering dishes!

Disclaimer: These statements have not been assessed or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The ingredients listed above are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The findings are solely based on preliminary research and ongoing studies. Individual results after trying these health tips and measures may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the shelf life of annatto oil and annatto paste?

You may store annatto oil and paste at room temperature for about 1 month and refrigerate them for up to 3 months.

Q2. Can I make Annatto Oil or Annatto Paste at home?

To make annatto oil, you need to cook the seeds in any neutral oil. Then, you can fine-grind the paste with a carrier.

Q3. Are there any health benefits to using annatto oil or annatto paste?

Emerging research suggests annatto as a therapeutic agent for its anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular properties. However, the human-based evidence for such claims is still limited.

Q4. Can I use annatto oil or annatto paste for skin care?

FDA has approved the use of annatto in cosmetics. Ancient tribes used annatto oil as a natural sunscreen and sun protection. However, the use of annatto in commercial skincare is still limited in modern days. 

Q5. What is the best way to store annatto oil?

Store annatto oil in an air-tight container at room temperature to ensure structural safety.

Q6. What does annatto oil taste like?

Annatto oil carries a subtle earthy taste. 

Q7. Can I make annatto oil from annatto powder?

You may! However, making annatto oil from the seeds gives it a more authentic appeal and texture.

Sources:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090123215001101 

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8618414/ 

3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11210471/