Ají Norteño

The Aji Norteño is a traditional Capsicum baccatum chilli from the northern coastal regions of Peru, particularly the Vir and Lambayeque valleys. The name Norteño refers to its northern regional association. Plants are highly vigorous and can exceed 2 metres in height when grown in containers, growing even taller when planted in the ground.

The plants produce abundant pendant-shaped pods measuring approximately 7 to 10 centimetres in length. The thin-walled fruits ripen from green through yellow and orange to red. Aji Norteño is noted for its distinctive apple-like flavour, often compared to green apples and notably lacking bitterness. This flavour profile makes it especially well suited to fresh use, including seafood dishes and salads.