Aji Colorado

SpiceCapsicum AnnuumNightshadeFruityMild-heatSweetEarthyRaisinyRed-pepper

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories: 282
Protein (g): 12
Fat (g): 14
Carbs (g): 50
Fiber (g): 35
Sodium (mg): 30

Approximate values for dried red chile peppers; varies by cultivar and drying method.

Storage

Room temp: up to 365 days
Refrigerated: up to 0 days
Frozen: up to 720 days

Aji colorado is a mildly to moderately hot Andean red chili pepper most associated with Bolivian cooking. Typically sun-dried and sold as whole pods, flakes, or paste, it delivers a deep brick-red color with a sweet, fruity profile reminiscent of red bell pepper and raisins, plus gentle heat (roughly in the low thousands of Scoville Heat Units).

Cooks usually stem and seed the pods, lightly toast, then soak and blend into sauces or pastes. It lends body and color to stews, braises, and marinades, and is classic in Bolivian dishes like fricasé paceño, ají de lengua, and picante de pollo. It functions similarly to guajillo or ancho but is often a touch brighter and fruitier.