Aji Cristal

Aji Cristal chilli seeds. The Aji Cristal (C. Baccatum) originates from Chile. These are good germinators and growers in our experience. Plants are small - medium size, compact and bushy. The plant sets pods early on in the season and produces lots throughout the season. Plants are quite prolific and can grow to about 100cm and larger, depending on growing conditions. These are good producers of lovely pendant shaped pods that are about 6 - 7cm in length. Pods ripen from a off white / pale lime colour to a fiery orange/red when fully ripe. As is the case with most Baccatums, ripening can take longer than usual. Peppers can be and are traditionally harvested just before they are fully ripe. Pale yellow pods have a very fresh, citrus and eau de cologne type flavour to them. Pods are also milder at this stage. When fully ripe, pods are around 30,000 SHU. This can vary depending on growing conditions. Flavour of the fully ripe pods is much sweeter than the unripened pods. The burn is a very pleasant all round peppery burn that has good longevity. The skin on the ripe pods can be a little tough, which is probably why these are traditionally harvested in Chile just before fully ripe. These pods are very versatile. Pickling, stuffing, roasting and making into chilli powder are all super idears for the Aji Cristal. In Chile, these pods are most commonly use sauteed and in salsas (called "pebre") and used to make Aji Verde. We really like this chilli and can recommend it!