Ají dulce

Ají dulce (Capsicum chinense) is a variety of pepper native to the Caribbean. It is also known as ajicito or ají cachucha. Despite its name, which translates to "sweet pepper" in English, ají dulce is not always sweet and can range in flavor from mild to moderately spicy.

Description

Ají dulce is a small, brightly colored pepper that typically measures between one and two inches in length. The peppers are usually red, orange, or yellow, and they have a distinctive, wrinkled appearance. The plant itself is a perennial shrub that can reach up to three feet in height.

Cultivation

Ají dulce is typically grown in tropical and subtropical climates. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is often grown in home gardens and is also commercially cultivated in several countries, including Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Culinary Uses

Ají dulce is a key ingredient in many Caribbean dishes. It is often used in sofrito, a sauce base common in Latin American cuisine. The peppers are also used in stews, marinades, and salsas. Despite their occasional heat, ají dulce peppers are prized for their unique flavor, which is described as fruity and aromatic.

Nutritional Value

Like other peppers in the Capsicum genus, ají dulce is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. It also contains capsaicin, a compound that has been studied for its potential health benefits, including pain relief and weight loss.

See Also

• Capsicum
• Sofrito
• Caribbean cuisine