The wonder chili from Peru: Discover the Aji Limo Red

The Aji Limo Red - a chili pepper with character

The Aji Limo Red is a chili pepper native to Peru. It belongs to the Capsicum family and is characterized by its bright red color and distinctive shape. Measuring 5-10 cm long and 2-3 cm wide, it has a slightly curved, elongated shape reminiscent of a lemon—hence the name "Aji Limo."

In terms of heat, the Aji Limo Red falls in the middle range of the Scoville scale. It registers between 30,000 and 50,000 Scoville units, making it significantly hotter than a jalapeño, but milder than a habanero. This level of heat makes it a versatile spice, ideal for use in a wide variety of dishes.

In addition to its spiciness, the Aji Limo Red is particularly captivating due to its intense, fruity aroma. Depending on the stage of ripeness, the notes can vary from sweet to citrusy to slightly smoky. This unique flavor profile adds a very special touch to dishes and makes Aji Limo Red an indispensable part of Peruvian cuisine.

Aji Limo Red in the kitchen: Versatile

Aji Limo Red is a true all-rounder in the kitchen. Whether as an ingredient in sauces, marinades, or dips, as a topping for dishes, or as a component of spice blends—the possibilities are virtually endless.

Aji Limo Red is particularly popular in Peruvian cuisine, where it is traditionally used in ceviche, causa, and other specialties. It is also gaining popularity in international cuisine. Its fruitiness pairs perfectly with seafood, meat dishes, and even desserts.

Here are a few ideas on how you can use Aji Limo Red in your dishes:

Aji Limo Salsa

A delicious salsa that's perfect with grilled fish, meat, or vegetables. Simply finely chop and mix Aji Limo Red, red onions, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, and a little olive oil.

Aji Lemon Salsa

Ingredients (for approx. 4 servings)

• 3–4 aji lemonade chilies (depending on desired spiciness)
• 1 small red onion or shallot
• 1–2 tomatoes (optional if you want a little more volume and mildness in the salsa)
• 1 garlic clove
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 2–3 tbsp chopped coriander (fresh)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Prepare Aji Lemonade

   • Wash the chilies thoroughly.
   • Slice them lengthwise and remove the seeds and light-colored membranes, if desired—that's where most of the spice lies. So if you like it really spicy, leave it all in.
   • Then chop the aji lemonade chilies very finely.

2. onions and tomatoes

   • Peel the onion or shallot and dice it very finely.
   • If using tomatoes, remove the seeds (if you want a less liquid salsa) and cut the flesh into small cubes.

3. Garlic and coriander

   • Peel the garlic clove and chop it very finely or press it.
   • Chop the fresh coriander.

4. Mix

   • Place the chopped aji lemonade, onions, diced tomatoes, garlic, and cilantro in a bowl.
   • Now add the lime juice and (optionally) some olive oil to slightly reduce the spiciness and combine the flavors.

5. Season to taste

   • Season the salsa with salt and pepper.
   • You may want to add a few more squeezes of lime juice if you like it extra fresh and sour.
   • Let the salsa sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop better.

Aji Lemonade Marinade

For tender, aromatic grilled skewers or steaks: Mix Aji Limo Red, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper to make a marinade and marinate the meat.

Aji Lemonade Dip

A creamy dip with Aji Limo Red, yogurt, garlic and herbs is the perfect accompaniment to vegetable sticks or nachos.

Aji Limo spice mix

Dried and ground Aji Limo Red combines wonderfully with other spices such as cumin, oregano or paprika powder to create a versatile spice blend.

Grow your own Aji Limo Red

Want to grow Aji Limo Red yourself and always have fresh chilies on hand? It's not that difficult! The plant is relatively easy to care for and, with proper care, produces a bountiful harvest.

It's best to start the seeds in a seedling container first before transplanting the young plants into a sunny garden or balcony box. Make sure the soil is nutrient-rich and well-drained. Regular watering and fertilizing are also important.

When the fruits turn red, you can harvest them. It's best to let them ripen on the vine for a while before using them. This way, the Aji Limo Red retains its full flavor.

With a little patience and attention to detail, you'll soon be able to harvest your own fresh Aji Limo Red chilies. A true delight!

Conclusion: The Aji Limo Red - a discovery for chili chefs

The Aji Limo Red is a fascinating chili pepper that deserves more attention. With its unique combination of spiciness, fruitiness, and aroma, it enriches the kitchen in many ways.

Whether in sauces, marinades, or spice blends, Aji Limo Red takes any dish to a new level. And if you want to test your culinary skills, you can even grow the chili yourself.

So don't hesitate any longer and discover the wonder chili from Peru for yourself! Let yourself be enchanted by its incomparable flavor.