# Aji Cristal

Also known as Ají Chileno-Cristal, Ají Cristal, Aji Crystal, Chilean Crystal, Cristal Pepper.
Species: Capsicum baccatum.

Aji Cristal is a Capsicum baccatum landrace from Central Chile (Maule Region), Chile. Capsi’s sourced range is 22,000–50,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). Flavor is citrusy, fruity, apple-like, bright, sweet-tangy. Used for Chilean pebre salsa, hot sauces and condiments, fresh salsas and relishes, marinades for meats and seafood, soups and stews. Heat is a range, not a single marketing number.

## Heat sources

- 22,000–50,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Adaptive Seeds - Hot Pepper, Aji Crystal (Organic)
  https://www.adaptiveseeds.com/product/vegetables/peppers/hot-pepper-aji-crystal-organic/

- 30,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds - Aji Cristal Hot Pepper Seeds
  https://www.rareseeds.com/pepper-hot-aji-cristal

- 30,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Chili Pepper Madness - Aji Cristal Peppers
  https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-types/aji-cristal-peppers/

- 23,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Sea Spring Seeds - Aji Crystal chilli
  https://seaspringseeds.co.uk/shop/vegetable-seeds/chilli-seeds/aji-crystal-chilli-seed/

## Heritage

Landrace

Aji Cristal is a traditional landrace.

Chilean heritage catalogs and a 2022 Maule campesino study treat Cristal as a long-kept local C. baccatum type with no named parents. USDA PI 281320 and Seed Savers listings match that Curicó origin and name no cross.

## Page sources

- [Detailed grower and flavor profile](https://www.rareseeds.com/pepper-hot-aji-cristal)
- [SHU range, origin, maturity, cultivation notes](https://www.adaptiveseeds.com/product/vegetables/peppers/hot-pepper-aji-crystal-organic/)
- [Scoville, description, uses including pebre](https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-types/aji-cristal-peppers/)
- [Origin history, appearance, nutrition notes, culinary](https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Aji_Crystal_Chile_Peppers_12341.php)
- [Local Chilean context, Maule region, festival, yellow-stage use](https://www.chileanfoodandgarden.com/chilean-peppers-and-chiles/)
- [https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Aji_Crystal_Chile_Peppers_12341.php](https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Aji_Crystal_Chile_Peppers_12341.php)

## FAQ
### How hot is Aji Cristal?

Capsi’s sourced range is 22,000–50,000 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 Cristal taste like?

Bright and refreshing citrus-forward with apple-like sweetness, subtle floral notes, and a clean tangy lift; the heat is sharp yet pleasant and does not linger excessively, complemented by the pepper’s signature crisp texture.

### How do I grow Aji Cristal?

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

### What can I substitute for Aji Cristal?

Aji Limón (similar citrus notes), jalapeño (for milder heat), serrano

Page: https://web.thecapsi.app/pepper/aji-cristal
Catalog: https://web.thecapsi.app/data