Frequently Asked Questions for Achiote and Bistek Flavoring Paste
Achiote & Bistek Questions
How do you pronounce Achiote?
Achiote is pronounced (ah-chee-OH-tay). It is also known as Recado Rojo (ray-CA-do row-Ho).
What is Achiote?
Achiote is a Mayan seasoning paste made of annatto seeds, herbs, and spices. It is typically diluted with bitter orange juice or lemon juice to create a marinade. Achiote is used for the Yucatan’s most famous dish Cochinita Pibil (included in our recipe book: www.delmayab.com/shop/view-all/del-mayab-recipe-book)
Is Achiote spicy?
No, achiote is not spicy. Since achiote acts as a seasoning
What is Bistek?
Bistek is an allspice and pepper seasoning paste used primarily on beef and fish. It is typically diluted with bitter orange juice or lemon juice to create the marinade. It adds a tangy pepper flavor but will not add color to your food (unlike Achiote).
How do I use Achiote?
Traditionally, achiote paste is prepared as a marinade. Del Mayab Achiote only requires you to add liquid, such as bitter orange juice, lemon juice, water, oil, or vinegar, to yield the desired consistency.
How do I prepare Achiote?
Take 1.75 oz of achiote paste (half of a 3.5 oz brick) and dissolve it with ¾ cup of bitter orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, oil, or water. This is enough to marinate up to 2 lbs of meat. Yucatan achiote is perfect for marinating dishes like chicken or pork. For more traditional recipes, you can order our Del Mayab recipe book.
What should the consistency of the Achiote marinade be?
Your achiote marinade should have the consistency of a thick sauce. Avoid clumps by using your fingers to mix the paste with your preferred liquid. It shouldn't be too runny or too thick, similar to a well-made BBQ sauce.
How much Achiote do I need to cook a chicken?
For one whole chicken, you will need about half of a 3.5 oz brick of achiote seasoning and ¾ cup of bitter orange juice or a similar liquid.
How do I store the bricks after I open them?
Store the unused achiote seasoning paste in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. Refrigeration isn't necessary but is recommended for a longer shelf life.
Do I need to refrigerate Achiote?
It is not necessary to refrigerate achiote paste, but doing so will extend its shelf life to 6-8 months.
Does Achiote spoil?
Due to its preservatives, Achiote has a shelf life of 2 years from the manufacture date. Annatto seed paste does not spoil quickly.
Is the Achiote in the pail the same as the Achiote bricks?
Yes, but the achiote paste in the pail has more moisture and will require less liquid when preparing the marinade.
Why are the achiote bricks sometimes clumpy/chunky?
The corn ingredients in the Achiote do not dissolve easily; therefore, to get the right consistency, it is necessary to work the material with either your fingers or a utensil; this will help dissolve the Achiote into a paste marinade.
Will Achiote stain my clothes?
Yes, Achiote and Annatto are known for adding vibrant color to food, but they can also stain clothes. Wear gloves and an apron to avoid stains.
Is your product gluten-free?
Yes, it is gluten-free but contains corn products such as corn flour and cornmeal; celiacs with allergies to corn should consult their physician before using Achiote. Traditionally, gluten is defined as a cohesive, elastic protein left behind after starch is washed away from wheat flour dough. Only wheat is considered to have true gluten; when celiac patients talk about "gluten-free" or a "gluten-free diet," they are talking about food or a diet free of the harmful peptides from wheat, rye, barley, and (possibly) oats. (Taken from Celiac.com)
Where can I find Del Mayab Achiote near me?
You can find our Del Mayab achiote products in Latino and Asian food markets in the Los Angeles area. You can always buy Achiote seasoning paste online from our website if unavailable.
Recipe Book Questions
How many recipes are included in your recipe book?
Our recipe book contains 20 traditional recipes that use achiote paste and Bistek flavoring paste.
What types of recipes does the recipe book contain?
The recipes include beef, pork, chicken, fish, and popular Yucatecan side dishes like rice and beans. All utilize our authentic Mayan seasoning products.
Order Processing & Shipping
What is the minimum order?
There is no minimum order for online orders.
Why didn't I receive a confirmation e-mail for my online order?
Before submitting your online order, please confirm your e-mail address is correct. If you do not receive an email confirmation within 1 hour of placing your order, please e-mail us at orders@delmayab.com or call us at 714-543-5533.
Do you sell your products in bulk?
Yes, we offer our achiote and bistek products in bulk. If interested in placing a wholesale order, please contact us at (714) 543-5533 or orders@delmayab.com. We can offer better shipping rates for bulk orders if you contact us directly, instead of ordering on the website.
How long will it take to receive my order?
All orders are shipped via US mail or UPS and will take 3-7 days to receive, depending on the shipping method you selected at checkout. The shipping rates and times vary for orders outside the US, so please contact us at orders@delmayab.com to find out more information.
How much is shipping and handling? (RETAIL CUSTOMERS ONLY)
Shipping rates vary from California to your location and will be automatically added to your order depending on the dollar amount of your purchase. PLEASE NOTE: Standard UPS Rates apply to all commercial accounts.
Why is the shipping cost so high?
Our shipping rates are meant for small orders. However, if you think the shipping cost is too high, please contact us at (714) 543-5533 or orders@delmayab.com and we can see if we can give you a better shipping rate on our end.
Are there extra charges for expedited shipping service?
Yes, all purchases are typically shipped by standard ground service, but you may select a higher-priority shipping method at checkout to receive your order more promptly. All options will be displayed for your selection at checkout, and any additional fees will be reflected in those shipping options.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship internationally, including to Canada and the UK.
Can I pick up my order?
Yes, you may pick up your order as long as you contact us ahead of time. Please note we are not a store with products on shelves so we need time to prepare your order. We are located in Santa Ana, CA. You can place your order by calling (714) 543-5533 or emailing orders@delmayab.com.
Is my information shared or sold?
No, La Perla Spice Co. does not share or sell your personal information to anyone for any reason. Your information is only used for order processing and to keep you updated on our products and business.