Aji Colorado

Also known as Ají Colorado · Colorado Aji · Aji de Colorado

Heirloom Andean Capsicum baccatum pepper celebrated for sweet-fruity flavor paired with moderate quick-dissipating heat; outstanding for drying and authentic Peruvian/Bolivian cooking.

Growing

~90 days to maturity

Fruit size

8–15 cm

Flavor & Use

Sweet and fruity with citrus/pine notes; moderate pungent heat that builds quickly then dissipates fast leaving pleasant sweetness

Sweetfruitycitrusy with quick dissipating heat

Culinary

Drying into flakes/powder/pasteSauces/salsas/stews/soupsPeruvian/Bolivian traditional dishes (escabeche, pachamanca)Fresh chopped/grilled/saladsSeasoning meats/beans/rice

About

Prolific Capsicum baccatum heirloom producing slender elongated pods 8-15 cm long and ~2 cm wide that ripen green to bright orange-red (often darkening). Thin-walled with glossy semi-smooth skin, crisp juicy flesh, and cream-colored seeds. Plants are bushy and highly productive.

Backstory

Ancient Andean cultivar grown for thousands of years in the mountains of Peru and Bolivia; central to indigenous and modern South American cuisine, valued for flavor and versatility in home gardens.

Appearance

ShapeElongated pendant/conical
ColorGreen · Orange-red · Red
Size8–15 cm
WallThin
SkinGlossy

Growing

SunFull
WaterModerate
ClimateSubtropical
Days to maturity90 days
Plant height60–120 cm
Soil pH6–7
Germination14–28 days
Spacing60 cm
HardinessZones 9-11

Heritage

Nothing reputable documents a pedigree for this pepper.

Sources