Ají Minas Gerais

The Aji Minas Gerais is a Capsicum baccatum cultivar originating from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is recorded under the identifiers PI 441565 and BGH 1780 and was first collected in Boituva, São Paulo, in October 1967.

The plants produce elongated pods that can reach up to approximately 15 centimetres in length, with smooth to slightly bumpy skin. Pods ripen through a sequence of colours, progressing from light green to yellow, then orange, and finally red at full maturity. Plants are capable of growing beyond 1.2 metres in height but can be pruned to maintain a more compact form around 0.9 metres.

The pods are noted for their fruity, berry-like flavour and crisp texture, with a mild heat level of around 7,000 Scoville Heat Units.