Aji - Basic information about the chiles of Peru.
Common Name and Species
Aji is simply the Peruvian / South American term for chile pepper and includes the following varieties in the species below -
- Capsicum baccatum:
- Aji Amarillo
- Aji Ayucullo
- Aji Colorado
- Aji Cristal
- Aji Cusqueno
- Aji Escabeche (another name for aji amarillo because of its use in escabeches)
- Aji Flor
- Aji Habanero
- Aji Limon
- Aji Mirasol (aji amarillo dried and sometimes charred)
- Aji Mono
- Aji Montana
- Aji Montesino
- Aji Norteno
- Aji Orchid (another name for aji flor)
- Aji Oro
- Aji Panca*
- Aji Portachuela
- Aji Rojo (red)
- Capsicum annuum:
- aji picante
- Aji Pinguita de Mono
- Capsicum chinense:
- Aji Pucomucho
- Aji Panca*
- aji dulce
Origin and History
Most cultivars of the genus Capsicum originated in Peru and its immediate environs. Oddly, though, the center of commercial cultivation for all of the famous cultivars is now elsewhere while Peru seems to prefer aji peppers.
Description
The typical aji pepper is a cultivar in the species Capsicum baccatum. These Capsicum baccatum cultivars - the aji - are almost as diverse as the cultivars in Capsicum annuum. Everything from substitutes for cayenne and paprika to tabasco.
Commercial cultivation - Zones and Regions
Aji peppers are grown commercially almost exclusively in Peru and immediate surrounds.
How Used or Sample Recipe
Aji peppers range in taste from pungent without much chile pepper flavor or aroma (aji picante) while aji panca has a berry flavor with fruity overtones.
Use aji peppers as you would any other chile pepper - use according to the variety's qualities. Use aji picante where you would use cayenne. You can substitute aji panca for poblano or other mild but flavorful chile pepper while aji Caballero can substitute for jalapeno.
Aji de gallina is a classic Peruvian chicken dish made with aji mirasol.
Additional Resources
- For additional information
- about aji peppers including medicinal uses and a list of reference materials
- about chile peppers in the kitchen
- Check it all out in Chile Pepper Magazine.