Aji Panca
Also known as Aji Brown · Ají Panca · Panca Chile · Peruvian Red Pepper
A mild Peruvian chile pepper prized for its smoky, berry-like sweetness and rich color. Second only to Aji Amarillo in popularity in its native cuisine.
About 1/5.3 the typical heat of a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU).
Growing
~100 days to maturity
Fruit size
7–13 cm
Flavor & Use
Sweet and smoky with subtle fruity notes reminiscent of blueberries and blackberries; raisin-like when dried, with smoky overtones and mild lingering heat.
Culinary
About
Aji Panca (also known as Ají Panca, Panca Chile, or Aji Brown) is an elongated, conical chile pepper native to the coastal regions of Peru. Measuring 3–5 inches long with deep ridges and thick flesh, it matures from green to a deep red/mahogany and is most commonly sold dried (turning chocolate brown). It offers a distinctive sweet and smoky flavor with subtle fruity notes reminiscent of blueberries and blackberries — raisin-like when dried — and only mild lingering heat. Essential in Peruvian cooking for adding depth, color, and complexity to marinades, sauces, stews, and more.
Backstory
Cultivated in Peru since ancient (pre-Incan) times along the coast. Traditionally sun-dried by farmers and used in everyday Creole and street-food dishes such as anticuchos (grilled meat skewers) and adobo-style stews. It provides rich color and layered flavor without overwhelming heat.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExploreAji Panca is a traditional landrace.
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Aji Panca?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 4,391–5,129 SHU (Lab-verified; typical 4,760). 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 Panca taste like?
- Sweet and smoky with subtle fruity notes reminiscent of blueberries and blackberries; raisin-like when dried, with smoky overtones and mild lingering heat.
- How do I grow Aji Panca?
- Aji Panca: about 100 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for Aji Panca?
- Pasilla chile, Ancho chile, Mulato chile