USES: This orange-red seed with a hard-to-describe earthy flavor is a primary spice in the Yucatan section of Mexico, especially for pork and chicken, but in many other savory dishes as well.

FINDING: Mexican, Caribbean and other Latin American groceries, well-stocked groceries and via the internet.

CHOOSING: Intensely colored seeds have more flavor than pale ones.

STORING: Dark, cool, dry place for up to a year.

Other Name: Annatto