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Aji Limo chiles are slender, straight, to slightly curved, averaging 5 to 7 centimeters in length and 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter, and have a tapered, conical shape. The skin is glossy and taut, ranging in color from yellow, orange, purple, white, to red, and the surface has a wrinkled, semi-smooth appearance. Underneath the thin skin, the flesh color matches the exterior skin tone and is crisp, aqueous, and slightly ribbed, encasing a central cavity filled with many round, cream-colored seeds. Aji Limo chile peppers are aromatic and have a distinct floral and fruity taste with strong notes of sour citrus. The peppers are also considered very hot and have an immediate heat that lingers.
Seasons/Availability
Aji Limo chile peppers are available in the late fall through winter.
Current Facts
Aji Limo chile peppers are multi-colored, pungent pods growing on leafy shrubs that are members of the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Native to the western slopes of the Andes and named after Lima, the capital city in Peru, Aji Limo chile peppers are considered to be very spicy ranging 30,000-50,000 SHU on the Scoville scale. Aji Limo chile peppers are a rare variety that is difficult to classify due to its muddled history. Some experts believe the pepper is a part of the Capsicum chinense species, while other experts record it as part of the Capsicum baccatum species. Despite this debate, Aji Limo chiles are mainly used in South America and are utilized for their fruity, citrus-like flavoring in fresh seafood dishes.
Nutritional Value
Aji Limo chile peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C as well as essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron. The peppers also contain capsaicin, which is a compound that causes the brain to feel spice or heat and is believed to offer beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Applications
Aji Limo chile peppers are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as simmering, boiling, roasting, grilling, and baking. When preparing the peppers, it may be beneficial to wear gloves to avoid the burning sensation that the capsaicin may cause when in direct contact with the skin. Aji Limo chile peppers can be used fresh and are incorporated into salsas, hot sauces, and marinades. The peppers are also popularly paired with seafood such as fish or shrimp and are used to flavor ceviche, which is Peru’s national dish. In addition to fresh applications, Aji Limo chile peppers can be chopped and mixed into soups, stews, and chilis, or stir-fried with vegetables and cooked meats. The citrus-forward, fruity, and sour flavor of the pepper also compliments other Peruvian dishes such as spicy chicken, lomo saltado, which is marinated beef tenderloin, and carapulca, which is a meat and vegetable dish. Aji Limo chile peppers pair well with potatoes, cassava, quinoa, rice, lentils, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, carrots, corn, and beans. The peppers will keep 1-2 weeks when stored whole and unwashed in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Aji Limo chile peppers are not grown on a large commercial scale outside of Peru, but the plants are tolerant to cold weather which has increased their popularity as a specialty variety in England and the United States. When introduced to the United States, legend has it that the name was miswritten as aji limon, which means lemon pepper. This mistranslation caused companies to rename the pepper and many farms today still label some Aji Limo varieties as Lemon Drop peppers.
Geography/History
Aji Limo peppers are native to Peru, specifically the Lima region along the western side of the Andes mountains, and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Today the spicy peppers are primarily localized to home gardens and small farms in Peru. Outside of Peru, Aji Limo peppers can be found in seed form through online catalogs or through small farms at local farmer’s markets in Europe, Central America, and the United States.
Peachtree Road Farmers Market
2744 Peachtree rd NW Atlanta, GA 30305
View on Instagram
+1 404 365 1105
Aji Limo chiles are vibrant and aromatic peppers that come in shades of yellow, orange, purple, white, and red. They average 5 to 7 centimeters long and have a glossy, wrinkled appearance. Known for their intense heat that lingers, these chiles boast a floral and fruity flavor with distinct sour citrus notes. The thin skin and crisp flesh encase a central cavity packed with cream-colored seeds, making them both visually striking and flavorful.
Wong Market
Av. Sta. Cruz 771, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Aji Limo chile peppers are incredibly versatile and can enhance both raw and cooked dishes. They are ideal for salsas, sauces, and marinades and are a key ingredient in Peru’s national dish, ceviche, often paired with seafood like fish or shrimp. Their fruity, citrus-forward flavor complements Peruvian classics like lomo saltado and spicy chicken. Store them unwashed in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks. Use gloves when handling to avoid capsaicin-caused skin irritation.
Ahi Limo Chile are available at Wong supermarket in Lima Peru…Aji Limo chile peppers trace their origins to the western slopes of the Andes and are named after Lima, Peru's capital. Known for their intense heat, these peppers measure 30,000-50,000 SHU on the Scoville scale. They are cherished in South American cuisine for their fruity and citrusy flavor, especially in fresh seafood dishes, showcasing their versatility and cultural significance.
Wong Balta
Aji Limo peppers: These vibrant peppers hail from the Lima region of Peru, located on the western side of the Andes mountains, where they've been cultivated for thousands of years. While they are mostly grown in home gardens and small farms in Peru today, you can find their seeds online or spot them at local farmer's markets in Europe, Central America, and the United States.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street San Diego CA 92110
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Aji Limo chile peppers are primarily grown in Peru and are not widely cultivated commercially elsewhere. Despite this, their cold tolerance has made them popular as a specialty pepper variety in England and the United States. Interestingly, their name was reportedly miswritten as "aji limon" (lemon pepper) when introduced to the U.S., leading to many farms labeling them as Lemon Drop peppers, a name still used today.
Rungis
Transportweg 34, 2991 LV Barendrecht
View on Instagram
031-0180-617-899
Beautiful aji peppers found at Rungis…Aji Limo peppers are slender and conical, measuring 5-7 cm in length and 2-3 cm in diameter. Their glossy, wrinkled skin comes in vibrant shades like yellow, orange, purple, white, and red. Known for their crisp texture, they offer a unique floral, fruity taste with sour citrus notes, coupled with intense heat that lingers. Inside, the peppers contain a central cavity filled with cream-colored seeds, matching their thin flesh's exterior hue.
Verduleria Flor
PTO43
Thank you Carlos for your amazing help today at the market!.....Aji Limo chile peppers are known for their citrus-forward, fruity, and sour flavors, making them ideal for dishes like ceviche, Peru's national dish. They pair wonderfully with seafood, potatoes, quinoa, garlic, and beans. To avoid irritation from capsaicin when handling these peppers, it's a good idea to use gloves. Stored whole and unwashed in the fridge, they last 1-2 weeks, maintaining their freshness and vibrant flavor profile.
Aji Limo Chile Peppers spotted at Whole Foods Co-op..Aji Limo Chile Peppers are vibrant, spicy pods native to the western slopes of the Andes in Peru. The peppers rank 30,000-50,000 SHU on the Scoville scale and are valued for their fruity, citrus-like flavor, often used in South American seafood dishes. They are a rich source of vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and iron, and contain capsaicin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Their classification is debated, falling between Capsicum chinense and Capsicum baccatum species.
Chino Farms
6123
Calzada Del Bosque, Rancho Santa Fe 92067
(858) 756-3184
Aji Limo Chile Peppers spotted at Chino's Vegetable Shop……Aji Limo peppers are native to Peru's Lima region along the western Andes mountains. They have been cultivated for thousands of years. Today, the peppers are often grown in home gardens and small farms in Peru. Outside Peru, they are available as seeds via online catalogs or cultivated at small farms, occasionally appearing at farmer’s markets in the U.S., Europe, and Central America.
Aji Limo Chile Peppers spotted at Vista Farmers Market….Aji Limo chile peppers are originally from Peru but are gaining popularity in England and the United States due to their cold weather tolerance. Interestingly, in the U.S., their name was reportedly miswritten as aji limon, translating to "lemon pepper." This mistranslation led to some farms renaming the pepper, and varieties of Aji Limo are often marketed today as Lemon Drop peppers.
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