Description
Chilli Name : AJÍ CRUJIENTA
Chilli Species : Baccatum
Chilli Origin : Bolivia
Chilli Heat : Medium
The Ají Crujienta is a traditional Bolivian chilli, with the name crujienta meaning “crunchy” in Spanish — a nod to its firm texture and crisp bite when eaten fresh. Like many Bolivian ajís, it is part of a long culinary heritage where baccatum varieties are central to everyday cooking.
Pods are medium-sized and elongated, usually 6–9 cm long, ripening from green to orange-red. They carry a fruity, tangy flavour with medium heat and are prized for their crunchy texture, making them excellent for fresh use in salsas or as a garnish. Dried pods retain their sharp flavour and are often ground into spice mixes.
Plants are vigorous and upright, typically reaching 100–120 cm, producing heavy yields throughout the season. With their reliable cropping and crisp fruit, they are popular among traditional growers and home gardeners alike.
Seeds germinate best at 25–28 °C, usually sprouting in 10–21 days. Plants typically take 90–110 days from sowing to first harvest. In the UK, greenhouse or polytunnel growing is recommended for reliable results.
