Aji Dulce Pepper
Capsicum chinense
Seeds per pack ~ 25
Germination: 78% Oct 2024 Packed for 2025
DAYS TO MATURITY: 90-100 days
SCOVILLE UNITS: 1,000-5,000
With rich, tropical sweetness, Aji Dulce pepper is an essential ingredient for sofrito and many other Caribbean dishes. Native to the Caribbean, Ají Dulce ripens from lime green to red for the fullest flavor.
Aji Dulce peppers are a popular variety of sweet peppers native to Latin America, particularly Venezuela and Puerto Rico. They belong to the Capsicum chinense species, which is the same species as many hot peppers like the habanero, but Aji Dulce peppers are distinctively mild with very little to no heat. This makes them an excellent choice for those who enjoy the fruity and aromatic flavor of tropical peppers without the intense spiciness.
Appearance
Ají dulce, ají cachucha, quechucha, ajicito, or ají gustoso is any of a variety of sweet perennial peppers found in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is most widely known in Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Venezuela, where it refers to a specific native variety of Capsicum chinense that is related to the habanero but with a much milder, smoky flavor. In the English-speaking Caribbean, it is known as seasoning pepper and is essential to a variety of traditional dishes.
Aji Dulce peppers are small to medium in size, typically about 2 to 3 inches long. They are usually shaped like a small bell or a slightly wrinkled lantern, with a smooth, glossy surface. The skin color varies through the ripening process from bright green to shades of red, orange, or yellow when fully ripe.
Flavor Profile
These peppers are celebrated for their sweet, aromatic, and somewhat smoky flavor, with subtle earthy undertones. The aroma is reminiscent of other more pungent peppers from the Capsicum chinense family, like the habanero, but without the heat. The Scoville Heat Units (SHU) for Aji Dulce typically range from 0 to 500, making them very mild.
Culinary Uses
In Caribbean and Latin American cuisines, Aji Dulce peppers are a cornerstone ingredient in many traditional dishes. They are essential for making "sofrito," a flavorful cooking base used in a variety of recipes, including stews, beans, rice, and sauces. These peppers can be used fresh in salads, salsas, and as garnishes, or cooked to bring out their sweetness and depth of flavor.
Growing
Aji Dulce peppers are suitable for growing in most climates where other bell peppers thrive. They prefer warm conditions and ample sunlight. The plants typically grow to about 18 to 24 inches in height and can be cultivated in gardens or containers. The peppers are usually ready to harvest approximately 80-100 days after transplanting.
Nutritional Value
Like most peppers, Aji Dulce is rich in vitamins A and C, along with other antioxidants, making them not only a tasty but also a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Aji Dulce peppers are ideal for anyone who loves the complexity of tropical peppers but cannot tolerate high heat levels, offering a unique blend of flavors that enhance a wide range of dishes.
