Mexican Spices?

Question

While vacationing in Mexico we were given a dish of chicken, black beans, rice and a flour tortilla shell.
The chicken recipe is what I am interested in. I am not too sure what the spice was called, but it is red in colour and comes from a tree in the area, we were in the Yucatan. I believe it was either Annatto, or Achiote....I do not recall.
I am hoping someone can help me figure out the recipe, as I would like to try this at home. The chicken seemed to be a 'pulled' chicken recipe mixed in a broth with the spices.

Any information would be great, thanks!

Answer 1

Annatto is a shrub native to the Caribbean, South and Central Americas. Also referred to as the Lipstick tree, it has glossy leaves and pink starburst flowers. Seed pods are picked just as they begin to split and then dried in the sun. Peru is the largest producer while Brazil and Kenya are both known as major annatto processors.

Achiote, Spanish for annatto, is common in Caribbean and South American cooking. It has been called "poor man's saffron" for the color is similar to the more prized seasoning. The ground seeds are often found in sauces, stews and rice dishes.

Without more info I can not help you with your recipe.

Answer 2

There is a Mexican food recipe site I like that has a chicken broth recipe. Is this it?

http://recipesofmexico.blogspot.com

Answer 3

I don't know but here is a link for vegetarian mexican food.
Mexican Vegetarian Recipes
http://www.mexgrocer.com/mexican-recipes-vegetarian.html