Description
Chilli Name : AJÍ CRISTAL (PI 281320)
Chilli Species : Baccatum
Chilli Origin : Chile
Chilli Heat : Medium
The Ají Cristal is one of Chile’s most famous chillies and a cornerstone of the country’s cuisine. This particular strain, PI 281320, is preserved in the USDA seed bank, highlighting its cultural and agricultural importance. Grown widely across Chile for generations, it is prized for its crisp texture, tangy fruitiness, and versatile medium heat.
Pods are conical, typically 6–9 cm long, ripening through a striking colour cycle: pale green → creamy white → orange → bright red. They are often harvested when still light-coloured for their sharp, citrus-like flavour, though fully ripened red pods develop a sweeter profile. Ají Cristal is used in fresh salsas, cooked dishes, and as a key ingredient in many traditional Chilean sauces.
Plants are vigorous and upright, growing 80–120 cm tall and producing heavy crops across a long season. They thrive in warm conditions and are reliable yielders with strong cultural ties to Chilean food heritage.
Seeds germinate best at 25–28 °C, sprouting within 10–21 days. Plants usually take 100–120 days from sowing to harvest. In the UK, greenhouse or polytunnel growing is strongly recommended for dependable results.
