Aji Norteno Chilli

The Aji Norteño, or "Northern Ají," is a celebrated heirloom chilli pepper originating from the northern coastal valleys of Peru, a region with a history of chilli cultivation spanning millennia. As a member of the Capsicum baccatum genus, it is identified by its characteristic white flowers with greenish-gold petal spots. Its heat level is a subject of wide variation due to its nature as a genetically diverse landrace and its sensitivity to growing conditions; however, for UK growers, a pleasant mild-to-medium pungency of 5,000–20,000 Scoville Heat Units is a realistic expectation. The Norteño's identity is defined not by extreme heat, but by its unique flavour and deep cultural roots in Peruvian cuisine.

This variety grows into a vigorous, tall, and productive plant that often requires staking for support, especially when grown in the ground where it can exceed two meters in height. It produces an abundance of elegant, pendant-shaped pods that are 7–10 cm long. One of its most striking visual traits is the beautiful colour transition of its pods, which ripen from green through a stunning spectrum of yellow, orange, and bright red, often all present on the plant at once. As an heirloom variety, it exhibits natural variation in pod wall thickness, with some pods being thin and ideal for drying, while others are thick and fleshy, making them excellent for stuffing.

The Aji Norteño's most prized attribute is its remarkable flavour profile, consistently described as being akin to a crisp, sweet green apple, but without any bitterness. This bright, fruity taste is what makes it a culinary standout. Traditionally in Peru, it is served fresh as the classic accompaniment to seafood dishes like ceviche, where its flavour enhances the delicate fish. In modern kitchens, its versatility shines; it is excellent in fresh salsas and salads, can be cooked into sauces and marinades, dried into a flavourful powder, or, for thicker-walled pods, stuffed with cheese or meat. Its flavour-forward character makes it appealing to a broad range of palates.

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