Achiote
Achiote seeds (annatto) give cochinita's recado its signature red color, according to Yucatán's tourism ministry. They're ground with other spices into red recado, a paste thinned with sour orange juice.
Sour orange
Sour orange (Seville orange) is the citrus of Yucatecan marinades. It gives a recognizable tangy flavor. The tourism ministry sees poc chuc's sour orange marinade as an example of Maya cooking techniques meeting ingredients introduced later.
If you can't find it, a ministry recipe allows swapping in sweet orange with vinegar or sour lime.
Red recado
The ministry's recipe combines achiote seeds, garlic, peppercorns, clove, cumin, oregano, salt and optional cilantro. The spices are ground first, then sour orange juice is added little by little until it forms a paste.
Dishes where you'll find them
- Cochinita pibil: pork with achiote, sour orange, spices and chile.
- Poc chuc: pork marinated in sour orange and grilled.
- Tikin xic: fish marinated in achiote, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled.
Tips for taking some home
- Red recado is sold as a paste in markets; it's the best edible souvenir.
- Keep it tightly sealed: it stains.
- Check your country's rules on bringing in food.
Tasting them on your trip
At lunch on Mary Tours' Las Coloradas and Río Lagartos trip, on the fishing town's boardwalk, you can choose fish such as tikin xic, and lunch on the Chichén Itzá trip includes cochinita. Both leave from the office on Calle 61 in downtown Mérida.
| Dish | Achiote | Sour orange |
|---|---|---|
| Cochinita pibil | Yes (red recado) | Yes |
| Poc chuc | No | Yes |
| Tikin xic | Yes | Depends on the recipe |
Fun facts
- Cochinita's red color comes from achiote.
- Sour orange can be swapped for sweet orange plus vinegar.
- Tikin xic is fish marinated in achiote.
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Frequently asked questions
What is achiote?
A red seed (annatto) that, ground with spices, makes cochinita's red recado.
What is sour orange?
A tart citrus used in Yucatecan marinades.
What can replace sour orange?
A tourism ministry recipe suggests sweet orange with vinegar or sour lime.
Can I buy red recado?
Yes, it's sold as a paste in Yucatán's markets.
