what is bija spice

Aceite de bija, or Achiote oil was our Abuelas secret for very beautiful dishes. Homemade Bija oil is an excellent shortcut to quickly preparing foods and adding that gorgeous color that grandma loved, and now you can learn how to make it at home and keep some at hand.

Annatto is an orange-red food coloring or condiment made from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), which grows in tropical regions in South and Central America ( 1 ). It has several other names, including achiote, achiotillo, bija, urucum, and atsuete.
what is bija spice

About this recipe

To make the oil, the annatto seeds are removed from the pods, then steeped or cooked over very low heat in cooking oil. Other ingredients like herbs, onion, garlic cloves, and oregano can be added to add flavor to it. Once the color is extracted, we then strain it with a fine-mesh strainer.

My recipe is just taking the simple achiote oil and adding some extra flavors (oregano, thyme, and garlic). This makes it perfect to add to rice dishes and even makes some colorful scrambled eggs.

what is bija spice

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what is bija spice

Why we ❤️ it

Bija is one of my favorite ingredients, and Ive used it in several recipes. Its the best way to add color to a dish without altering its taste. Bija is one of our signature spices; part of our local sazón, its inexpensive, widely available in the Dominican Republic, and a very ancient ingredient in our cuisine.

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FAQ

Why do people avoid annatto?

Annatto is a widely used food coloring obtained from the seeds of a tropical shrub. Its hue is yellow to orange. Unfortunately, natural does not always mean perfectly safe. Annatto causes hives in some people.

What does annatto do to your body?

People take annatto for diabetes, diarrhea, fevers, fluid retention, heartburn, malaria, and hepatitis. They also use it as an antioxidant and bowel cleanser. Annatto is sometimes put directly on the affected area to treat burns and vaginal infections and to repel insects. In foods, annatto is used as a coloring agent.

What does achiote taste like?

What Does It Taste Like? When used in small amounts, primarily as a food colorant, achiote has no discernable flavor. When used in larger amounts to add flavor, it imparts an earthy, peppery flavor with a hint of bitterness. Achiote seeds give off a slightly floral or peppermint scent.

What is a substitute for annatto spice?

However, if you’re unable to find it, combining equal parts sweet paprika and turmeric as a one-to-one alternative for ground annatto is your best alternative. Turmeric will lend a yellow-orange hue to your dish, along with a nutty, earthy flavor, which paprika provides a red color and spicy sweetness.

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