Aji Habanero
A mild Capsicum baccatum variety named for its habanero-like appearance and fruity-smoky flavor, with tapered pods that mature from green to orange at only 5,000–10,000 SHU.
About 1/3.3 the typical heat of a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU).
Growing
~85 days to maturity
Fruit size
6–8 cm
Flavor & Use
Fruity and smoky with sweet, tangy notes similar to a mild habanero.
Culinary
About
Aji Habanero is a Capsicum baccatum pepper whose name reflects its resemblance in shape, color progression and fruity-smoky flavor to the far hotter true Habanero. Pods measure roughly 6–8 cm long by about 2 cm wide, start green and ripen through pale yellow to orange with slight wrinkling and thin walls. Plants grow 60–90 cm tall and are productive in full sun, typically ready in 70–90 days. Heat is mild at 5,000–10,000 SHU, making the variety useful for fresh eating, drying into flakes or powder, and mild sauces or vegetable dishes.
Backstory
Despite its name, Aji Habanero is not a true Habanero (Capsicum chinense) but a Capsicum baccatum variety prized for similar pod shape, color and flavor at a fraction of the heat. The species originated in the Andes; this named selection is associated with Mexican accessions and is grown for fresh eating or drying where habanero character is desired without extreme pungency.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExploreNothing reputable documents a pedigree for this pepper.
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Aji Habanero?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 0–80,000 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 Habanero taste like?
- Fruity and smoky with sweet, tangy notes similar to a mild habanero.
- How do I grow Aji Habanero?
- Aji Habanero: about 85 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for Aji Habanero?
- Capsi does not have that recorded yet.