Aji Cristal peppers are small, spicy chili peppers native to Curico, Chile. Most aji peppers are local to South America, and are used in many different cultural dishes. These peppers are not commercially grown in the area, though have been popularized by small farms selling the pods. The pepper flesh has a medium thickness, and is somewhat waxy. When eating them fresh, they are quite crunchy, and offer a slightly citrus flavor and aroma.
Cooking with Aji Cristal Peppers
The most common use for aji cristal peppers is for making a famous Chilean condiment called “Pebre”. Pebre is Chile’s answer to pico de gallo., and is quite delicious, made with aji peppers, olive oil, garlic and cilantro. See my pebre recipe so you can make it on your own. You can cook with these peppers as you cook with any peppers, by chopping and cooking them up as part of your main dish, as part of the mire poix. Use them to spice up soups and stews, pots of chili, or pretty much any dish. They are small, so not ideal for stuffing. But, because of the vibrant color and spicy heat, I love them for making fresh salsas or for dehydrating and grind them into chili flakes or chili powders. Try some of these recipes that feature aji peppers:
Fermented Aji-Garlic Hot Sauce Aji-Lime-Kiwi Sweet Pepper Jam Aji Picante Sauce Aji Pineapple Hot Sauce Pebre with Aji Chili Peppers
Where Can I Buy Aji Cristal Seeds?
You can find aji cristal pepper seeds online at seed sellers. Here is an affiliate link to help you get started - Buy Aji Cristal Pepper Seeds. Good luck with your garden!
Aji Amarillo Lemon Drop Aji Fantasy Aji Limo Aji Pineapple Aji Panca Aji Cito Aji Habanero Aji limo
Learn About These Other Medium-Hot Chili Peppers
