Dive into the rich cultural tapestry of French Guiana with a journey through the captivating world of Roucou. This documentary delves into the traditions, history, and significance of Roucou, a vibrant natural pigment deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of this South American territory. From its traditional use in indigenous rituals to its modern applications in culinary delights and cosmetics, discover the multifaceted role of Roucou in French Guiana's identity. Join us as we uncover the secrets of this cherished ingredient and its enduring legacy in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Here's a recipe for a Roucou-infused dish:

Grilled Roucou Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Roucou (annatto) seeds
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

Prepare Roucou Oil:

1- In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat.

2- Add the Roucou seeds and let them simmer gently in the oil for about 5 minutes. This will infuse the oil with the color and flavor of the Roucou seeds.

3- Remove from heat and let the oil cool down. Once cooled, strain the oil to remove the Roucou seeds, leaving behind the infused oil.

Marinate the Chicken:

1- In a bowl, combine the Roucou-infused oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Mix well to combine.

2- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Skewer the Chicken:

1- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

2- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, distributing them evenly.

Grill the Chicken Skewers:

1- Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill.

2- Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Serve:

1- Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

2- Serve the grilled Roucou chicken skewers hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful and colorful Roucou-infused chicken skewers, inspired by the culinary traditions of French Guiana!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Roucou chicken skewers recipe:

Chicken Breast (1 pound):

• Calories: 506 kcal
• Protein: 101 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.

Roucou (Annatto) Seeds (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 4 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and potential health benefits for the digestive system.

Olive Oil (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 477 kcal
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 54 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Contains antioxidants like vitamin E, which protect cells from oxidative damage.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Known for its antimicrobial properties, garlic may help boost the immune system and fight off infections.
• Contains compounds like allicin, which may have potential benefits for cardiovascular health.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Fiber: 1 gram

benefits:

• May aid digestion and promote gut health due to its carminative properties.
• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Fiber: 1 gram

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which support immune function and help protect against oxidative stress.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to heart health.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Essential for maintaining proper fluid balance and nerve function in the body.
• However, excessive salt intake should be limited to prevent negative effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 1 kcal
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Contains piperine, a compound that may enhance the absorption of certain nutrients and promote digestive health.
• Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lime Juice (Juice of 1 lime):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
• May aid digestion and promote hydration.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, freshness, and specific measurements used.