How hot is Aji Colorado?

Capsi’s sourced range is 4,000–50,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat

How do I grow Aji Colorado?

Aji Colorado: about 90 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.

What can I substitute for Aji Colorado?

Capsi does not have that recorded yet.

Aji Colorado (Ají 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

Explore

Nothing reputable documents a pedigree for this pepper.

Sources

FAQ

How hot is Aji Colorado?: Capsi’s sourced range is 4,000–50,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat
What does Aji Colorado taste like?: Sweet and fruity with citrus/pine notes; moderate pungent heat that builds quickly then dissipates fast leaving pleasant sweetness
How do I grow Aji Colorado?: Aji Colorado: about 90 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
What can I substitute for Aji Colorado?: Capsi does not have that recorded yet.