FAQ
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 distinctively "Yucatecan" or "Mayan" seasoning paste made of ground annatto seeds, herbs, spices and is diluted with bitter orange juice.
What is Bistek?
Bistek is a garlic, allspice and pepper blend seasoning used primarily on beef and fish. It adds a tangy pepper flavor and unlike Achiote will not add color to your food.
How do I use Achiote?
Traditionally, achiote is prepared as a marinade, and the final result is a paste form. Del Mayab Achiote is prepared so that you only have to add some liquid to yield the desired results. Again, traditionally it is diluted with Naranja Agria (bitter orange juice) but lemon juice, water, oil or vinegar can be used.
How do I prepare Achiote?
Quick tip: Take 1.75 oz of Achiote (half of a 3.5 oz small brick), dissolve with 3/4 cup of bitter orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, oil or water to marinate up to 2 lbs of meat (approximately enough for one whole chicken) and cook.
For some more detailed instructions or to get some traditional recipes order our Del Mayab recipe book.
What should the consistency of the Achiote marinade be?
When preparing the Achiote marinade always make sure to eliminate any clumps using your fingers. Once your prepared liquid has been added (ie. lemon juice, lime juice, sour orange, water), mix the Achiote with the liquid to get the consistency of a thick sauce. It should not be too runny or too thick. It should not be as thick as a barbeque sauce.
How much Achiote do I need to cook a chicken?
It takes about half a 3.5 oz. brick of achiote (1.75 oz) and 3/4 cup of bitter orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, oil or water to prepare enough marinade for a chicken.
How do I store the bricks after I open them?
Any zip lock bag or airtight container will keep the product fresh and ready to use. It is not necessary to refrigerate achiote but it is recommended if you will only be using the product periodically. A simple method would be to keep the unused plastic wrapped tightly around the product and place it back in its box. Shelf life: 2 years after the manufacture date.
Do I need to refrigerate Achiote?
It is not necessary to refrigerate the product but is recommended if you want to increase the shelf life, especially if you will only be using the achiote a little at a time. Shelf life: 6-8 months).
Do the Achiote bricks spoil?
Achiote does not spoil quickly as it has both natural and artificial preservatives. It is better to discard 2 years after the manufactured date.
What is the expected shelf life?
2 years after the manufactured date.
Is the Achiote in the pail the same as the Achiote bricks?
Yes and no. The ingredients and flavor are the same, although the Achiote in the pail has more moisture and will not require as much liquid when it is time to dissolve.
Why are the achiote bricks sometimes clumpy/chunky?
The corn ingredients in the achiote do not dissolve so easily therefore, in order to get the right consistency, it is necessary to work the material with either your fingers or a utensil; this will help to dissolve the achiote into the paste marinade form.
Will Achiote stain my clothes?
Yes, Achiote, and Annatto are often used to give food a vibrant color, unfortunately it may also stain your clothes. So be sure to always wear an apron and also wear food handling gloves if you don’t want to get Achiote in your nails. After the marinade is prepared you may also use a brush to apply the marinade if you choose not to touch it.
Is your product gluten - free?
Yes, it is gluten-free but does contain corn products such as corn flour and corn meal; celiac's with allergies to corn should probably consult their physician before using Achiote.
Traditionally, gluten is defined as a cohesive, elastic protein that is 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 actually 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?
Our distribution is localized here in California and you can find our Achiote products in most Latino and Asian food markets in the Los Angeles area. In case you are unable to find our Achiote products at a store near you, we have designed this website to meet the demands of our customers and any of our products can be shipped directly to you. Please request Achiote at your local store, this is the most effective way to get Achiote to a store near you.
Do you carry larger sizes of Achiote? How much do they cost?
We carry sizes ranging from 3.5 oz bricks to 5 lb pails but, in order to be sure which size you need, please refer to the "Products" page of our website. Once you look at the various sizes that we carry and their prices then you will be able to decide what works best for you.
Do you sell bulk packages? Do you sell to big companies?
Yes we do, please refer to the "commercial accounts" page of our website, if you are a commercial/business client you will be given a username and password; you will then be able to access the necessary information or you can also give us a call at: 1-800-DEL-MAYAB. Once you receive your username and password, you will be able to access our resale online store. Please email orders@delmayab.com with any questions
Do you sell other items?
Yes, La Perla Spice Co. also makes Del Mayab Bistek, which is used exactly like achiote but is simply a different flavor. Bistek is more of a pepper blend seasoning and has it's own special taste.
Recipe Book Questions
How many recipes are included in your recipe book?
20 recipes all together: 13 traditional meal recipes, 6 side dish recipes and a special recipe for an achiote sauce to use with any of your favorite dishes. The entire book is on full color pages and each recipe includes a photo.
What types of recipes does the recipe book contain?
All the recipes in the book are either popular/traditional in the Yucatan and consist of beef, pork, chicken and fish, not to mention, the essential side dishes of rice, beans and dressings. The recipes utilize both our Achiote and Bistek products that come with the starter kit.
Does the recipe book have a recipe for tacos al pastor?
No, it does not. But, our Del Mayab achiote can be, and often is, substituted for any seasoning or "adobo" used in any "al pastor" recipe.
I would like to share my recipes with you, how can I do this?
We welcome and encourage you to share your own ideas and creations; we have a community of achiote lovers that would love to try them. You can e-mail your recipes to: recipes@delmayab.com or just click on the "Recipes" page on our website. If we feel you have something special, then your recipe will be included on our website for others to enjoy. (Please note that all submitted recipes will become property of La Perla Spice Co. and you are giving La Perla Spice Co. full permission to use the recipe at their discretion).(RECIPES WILL NOT BE SOLD FOR PROFIT.)
Order Processing & Shipping
What is the minimum order?
There is no minimum order for retail customers ordering through the website. The terms for business customers will be negotiated at the time of purchase. Commercial delivery is free with the purchase of $250.00 or more and is only provided in Los Angeles, CA and Orange County, CA areas, any orders below the minimum dollar amount of $250.00 will be charged a delivery fee of $10.00 in the Los Angeles area and $5.00 in the Orange County area. (Southern California Deliveries ONLY.)
Is your website secure?
Yes, all transactions are encrypted using GeoTrust SSL and securely processed through Authorize.net.
How can I place my order securely?
All orders are secured through our website and the shopping cart, they are then processed through Authorize.net
We can also take orders over the phone at: (714) 543-5533.
Is my information shared or sold?
No, La Perla spice Co. does not share or sell any of 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.
Why didn't I receive a confirmation e-mail or response to my order?
Often people forget to provide their correct e-mail address, so we recommend that you take your time when filling out your order and review/confirm that your e-mail is correct. If for some reason you have any problems, than e-mail us at: orders@delmayab.com or call us at: La Perla Spice Co. 714-543-5533.
How long will it take to receive my order?
All orders are shipped either US mail or UPS and will take approximately 5-14 days to receive depending on the preferred shipping method you select at checkout.
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 for all Commercial accounts.
Are there extra charges for expedited shipping service?
Yes, all purchases are normally shipped standard ground service, but you may select a higher priority shipping method at checkout to receive your order more promptly. All options will display for your selection at checkout and any additional fees will be reflected on those shipping options.
Do you ship Internationally?
Yes we ship internationally including Canada and the UK and your shipping charges will be reflected at checkout. Please note all orders are processed using US dollars.