Thursday, December 26

    Aji Amarillo facts

    Aji Amarillo is a mostly used chili in Peru and used as a vital ingredient in Peruvian cooking. The fruits have green color in the beginning which gets deep yellowish-orange when mature. Aji Amarillo possesses fruity taste with medium-hot heat.

    Name Aji Amarillo
    Scientific Name Capsicum baccatum
    Native South America
    Common/English Name Aji, Aji Pepper, Aji Amarillo, Locoto, Amarillio Chilli, Wild Baccatum, Peruvian Hot Pepper, Aji Andean, Aji Amarillo Mirasol, Aji Ayucullo, Aji Blanco Cristal, Aji Benito, Aji Brazilan Bonanza, Aji Bolivian Long, Aji Brazilan Star fish, Aji Camba, Aji Caballero, Aji Chanca, Aji Chivato, Aji Cochabamba, Aji Cito, Aji Colarado, Aji Cohincho, Aji Criolla Sella, Aji Escabeche, Aji Cristal, Aji Golden, Aji De Mesa, Aji Exploding Fire, Habanero, Aji Francos, Aji Lemon Drop, Aji Aji Indian, Aji Little Finger, Aji Limon, Aji Mono, Aji Mirasol, Aji Montesino, Aji Omnicolor, Aji Norteno, Aji Orchid, Aji Orange, Aj Panca, Aji Oro, Aji Picante, Aji Pilange, Aji Peruvian, Aji Portachuela, Aji Pineapple, Aji Rojo, Aji Russian Yellow, Aji Red Olive, Aji Valentine, Aji Serranito, Aji Verdi, Aji Yellow, Aji White Wax, Albero’s, Bubba, Banana Aji, Bishop’s Crown, Bell Chile, Campane, Bishop’s Hat, Balloon, Nepalese Bell, Christmas Bell, Piquanté, Peppa Dew
    Name in Other Languages Brazil: Pimenta Cambuci;
    Costa Rica: Cuerno De Oro;
    Czech: Paprika Roční;
    Danish: Peru-peber;
    Dutch: Cayenne peper;
    East Africa: Peri-Peri;
    French: Piment Chien;
    German: Glockenpaprika;
    Peru: Aji Amarillo;
    Portuguese: Pimentinha;
    Spanish: Piris
    Plant Growth Habit Annual plant
    Growing Climate Tropic, mediterranean, subtropical, desert or temperate
    Soil Well-drained
    Plant Size 60-100 cm
    Stem Erect
    Leaf Large, alternate
    Flower Hermaphrodite, white or cream color with a typical green or gold corolla
    Fruit shape & size Pendant, rarely erect, elongate, oblong- unusual bell shape; Length: 3-5 cm; Width: 1.5-3 cm
    Fruit color Deep orange
    Scoville scale 30,000-50,000
    Flavor/aroma Pungent
    Taste Fruity
    Seed Numerous, straw color
    Health Benefits
    • Regulates fluid
    • Improves performance
    • Reduce LDL cholesterol
    • Assist weight loss
    • Antioxidant properties
    Traditional uses
    • The fruit is believed to possess antihaemorrhoidal, antiseptic, antirheumatic, digestive, diaphoretic, irritant, sialagogue, rubefacient and tonic.
    • Its internal use helps to cure cold stage of fevers, varicose veins, debility in convalescence, digestive problems and asthma.
    • It is used externally for unbroken chilblains, curing sprains, pleurisy, neuralgia etc.
    How to Eat
    • Aji Amarillo is also used in Andean cuisine for millennia.
    • It is used as a seasoning to enhance the flavor in various dishes.
    • It is used dried, fresh or in the form of ground powder.
    • The fresh fruits are used in Peruvian ceviche which is a well-known dish in South and Central America.
    • Aji amarillo is used in sauces as it provides bright complex flavor with yellow or orange color.
    • It is also used as a condiment.
    • It is used in chutney, marinades, dips, stir fry and gravies.