Aji Amarillo Chile Powder

"Aji" means chile pepper in Spanish, and "amarillo" means yellow. These are called "yellow chile peppers" as the yellow color appears when cooked, as they mature the Aji Amarillo chile pods turn a deep orange color. The Aji Amarillo Chile is thought to have originated in Bolivia or Peru and it is believed to have been domesticated in Peru about 2500 B.C. Also known as Aji Escabeche, Yellow Chile, Peruvian Chile and is frequently called Cusqueno when in the dried form.

 If you've ever had Peruvian food, there's a good chance you've tasted this under appreciated chile. The Aji Amarillo is considered part of the holy trinity of Peruvian cuisine along with garlic and red onions.

From the C. baccatum species, the Aji Amarillo chile pods are 4-5 inches long and are considered a hot chile coming in at 30,000 to 50,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units). Our ground Aji Amarillo chile is a handy chile powder that we have gotten numerous requests for from some of our most passionate chile head customers.

Sometimes compared to the Scotch Bonnet but with a bit less fire, the Aji Amarillo chle has a raisiny aroma and offers a lot of fruitiness for its heat. The fruity flavor has hints of mango and passion fruit while the fruitiness is different from other chiles, such as anchos, as it is less sharp, but with more of a subtle full body. Considered a true Latin American chile it's well worth seeking out the Aji Amarillo as its unique flavor is nothing like the better known Mexican and Caribbean chiles.

 In Peruvian cuisine you'll find Aji Amarillos used mostly with root vegetables, ceviche, some seafood dishes and in the classic Peruvian dish, Peruvian Beef Stew. We also like use them in rice, salsas, sauces and stews for a surprising and unexpected flavor.

We like to use Aji Amarillo chile powder in place of hot chiles such as chipotle, cayenne and habanero for a nice change of pace in spice blends like chili powder, chicken rubs and of course pork rubs. This is a perfect versatile chile powder to add to any well stocked spice cabinet and you'll soon find yourself using in many dishes.

As a general rule of thumb use 1-2 teaspoons of Aji Amarillo chile powder when substituting for a recipe that calls for a Aji Amarillo chile.

We offer a growing selection of dried chiles, chile flakes and chile powders that any serious chile head is in search of.

** This product is certified kosher.