# Aji Limón

Also known as Aji Lemon, Aji Limon, Hot Lemon, Hot Lemon Pepper, Lemon Drop, Lemon Drop Chili, Lemon Drop Pepper.
Species: Capsicum baccatum.

Aji Limón is a Capsicum baccatum landrace from Andean foothills, Peru. Capsi’s sourced range is 57,117 SHU (Lab-verified). Flavor is citrus, lemon, fruity, tangy, sweet. Used for ceviche and fresh seafood, salsas and relishes, homemade hot sauces, marinades for chicken and fish, soups and stews. Heat is a range, not a single marketing number.

## Heat sources

- 57,117 SHU · Lab-verified
  Malak Alghamdi, Thirumurugan Rathinasabapathy, Slavko Komarnytsky (2025) Int. J. Mol. Sci. · HPLC
  DOI: 10.3390/ijms26104916
  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26104916

- 30,000–50,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Lemon Drop Hot Chile Pepper | John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds
  https://www.kitchengardenseeds.com/chile-peppers-aji-limo.html

- 15,000–30,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Aji Lemon Pepper Seeds | Tyler Farms
  https://www.tyler-farms.com/aji-limon-pepper-seeds/

- 10,000–30,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Lemon Drop Pepper | HRSeeds
  https://www.hrseeds.com/lemon-drop-pepper

## Heritage

Landrace

Aji Limón is a traditional landrace.

Peppers bred from Aji Limón:
- [Sugar Drop Lemon](https://web.thecapsi.app/pepper/sugar-drop-lemon)

Chile Pepper Institute and Cornell treat Lemon Drop / Ají Limón as a Peruvian C. baccatum seasoning type with no named parents. Catalogs trace the US line to Peruvian markets and USDA PI 315024; none record a planned cross.

## Page sources

- [Botanical taxonomy, description, heat range, history, and references to Chile Pepper Institute and primary sources](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_drop_pepper)
- [Scoville details, flavor profile, origin, uses, and size facts for Lemon Drop / Aji Limón](https://pepperscale.com/lemon-drop-pepper/)
- [Baker Creek seed catalog with growing specs, appearance, thin walls, flavor, and maturity details](https://www.rareseeds.com/pepper-hot-lemon-drop)
- [Seed provenance, traditional Peruvian ceviche uses, citrus aroma, and maturity info](https://trueloveseeds.com/products/aji-limo-pepper)
- [Pre-Columbian history, growing guidance, frost tolerance, and heirloom context by expert](https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/aji-limo-zmaz06fmzwar/)
- [Flavor, heat, size, uses, and cultivation notes for Lemon Drop pepper](https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-types/medium-hot-chili-peppers/lemon-drop-chili-pepper/)

## FAQ
### How hot is Aji Limón?

Capsi’s sourced range is 57,117 SHU (Lab-verified). 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 Limón taste like?

Vibrant and refreshing citrus forward with pronounced lemon and subtle lemongrass notes; the flavor is clean, slightly sweet, and tangy with a bright fruity lift that complements rather than competes with other ingredients.

### How do I grow Aji Limón?

Aji Limón: about 95 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.

### What can I substitute for Aji Limón?

Aji Amarillo (for Peruvian flair), fresh habanero (milder citrus option), jalapeño with added lemon zest

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