Aji Colorado Orange Chilli

The Aji Colorado Orange is a true piece of living agricultural history, hailing from the Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia where it has been cultivated for thousands of years by Incan and pre-Incan farmers. Part of the Capsicum baccatum genus, its name is a playful puzzle, as "Colorado" translates to "red," yet this treasured variety ripens to a brilliant, glowing orange. It delivers a pleasant, medium-hot kick, with a Scoville rating that typically ranges from 20,000 to 40,000 SHU, making it significantly hotter than a jalapeño but comfortably milder than a habanero. 

This is an impressive and prolific plant, growing into a vigorous, bushy shrub that can easily reach heights of four to five feet and often requires staking to support its bountiful harvest. The pods themselves are elegant and slender, growing up to 12 cm long and tapering to a fine point as they hang like ornaments from the branches. They undergo a beautiful transformation from a vibrant green to their final, brilliant orange hue, with thin, crisp walls and slightly wrinkled skin that is perfectly suited for drying.

While its heat is satisfying, the real star of the Aji Colorado Orange is its remarkable flavour. It bursts with a wonderfully fruity, sweet, and tangy citrus taste, with a fragrant aroma to match. This makes it incredibly versatile and a cornerstone of South American cuisine, traditionally used in fresh ceviche, sauces, and stews. In the modern kitchen, its crisp texture is perfect for fresh salsas and salads, while its thin walls make it ideal for drying into a vibrant and flavourful powder.

All plants are grown on our farm in Norfolk, UK and are grown in an open pollinated area.