Recado: The Spice of Belize
Posted by T. Budd on
Annato, the seed used to create our Caribbean Spice Belize Recado Paste is an orange-red condiment and food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. Annatto seeds are a main spice component of some local sauces and condiments, such as recado rojo in Yucatán and sazón in Puerto Rico. Annatto paste is an important ingredient of cochinita pibil, the spicy pork dish popular in Mexico. It is also a key ingredient in the drink tascalate from Chiapas, Mexico
Annatto is of particular commercial value in the United States because the Food and Drug Administration considers colorants derived from it to be "exempt of certification".
In Belize recado is used widely in many local dishes. Look for the yellow-red coloring the next time you enjoy traditional Stew Chicken and other Belizean dishes.
Use just one tablespoon of our Recado Paste to every pound of meat, the directions for cooking are on the jar!
You can order your Caribbean Spice Belize Recado Paste right here!
Annatto seed pod ready for harvest