Aji Crujiente Chilli

The Aji Crujiente is a truly exceptional chilli pepper hailing from South America and belonging to the Capsicum baccatum species. Its name, Spanish for "Crunchy Aji," perfectly encapsulates its most unique trait. This variety offers a wonderfully balanced medium heat, registering between 30,000 and 50,000 on the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale, comparable to a standard Cayenne pepper but delivered with a clean, bright character that doesn't linger punishingly on the palate. It is the perfect choice for those who appreciate nuanced flavour alongside a satisfying warmth.

The plant itself is a vigorous and prolific producer, growing into a large, bushy specimen that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height and requires support to bear the weight of its abundant harvest. It yields elegant, slender pods 6-7 cm in length that undergo a beautiful transformation from a vibrant green to a brilliant orange-red upon full maturity. The pod walls are uniquely thin, which is the secret to their famous characteristic: an incredibly crisp, satisfying, and audible "snap" when bitten into.

Beyond its texture and heat, the Aji Crujiente boasts a spectacular flavour profile that sets it apart. It is remarkably sweet and distinctly fruity, with bright, refreshing notes of citrus and apple that shine through the clean heat. This makes it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Enjoy it raw and thinly sliced in salads and fresh salsas to preserve its signature crunch, or add it to stir-fries for a burst of flavour. It also pickles exceptionally well, retaining its crispness, and its thin walls allow it to be dried easily to create a vibrant and aromatic chilli powder.

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