How much would you pay for a kilo of chili? If your answer is around $25,000 then Aji Charapita is the place for you!
Vanilla, saffron and the Aji Charapita: They are at the top of the list of the most expensive spices in the world. It is probably not its size that makes the Aji Charapita one of the most expensive spices in the world. The small chili is about the size of a pea. It is also not red in color, as one might instinctively suspect with chillies. This expensive rarity is intense yellow.
Aji Charapita: Origin and Characteristics
Originally, the Aji Charapita comes from northern Peru. The region on the border with Brazil, characterized by jungle and tropical temperatures, has been home to this expensive treasure for a long time. The Aji Charapita has only recently been cultivated commercially. The very low cultivation quantities so far are probably the main reason for the hefty price.
The Aji Charapita tastes - who may be surprised - of course spicy. However, connoisseurs claim that it gives freshly used dishes and, above all, natural sauces such as the classic Latin American salsa, a fruity taste. In most cases, however, it is used in powder form, which seems to lose the fruity note.
In Peru and some neighboring countries, this particular Aji is well known. In the rest of the world, they are usually only known to real connoisseurs and chilli fans. Therefore it is not so easy to get the Aji Charapita at all. The basic requirement is, of course, that you also have the necessary change. However, it also seems possible to grow the small, yellow chilli yourself. However, it is questionable whether you will get such horrendous sums for the goods from your own hand.
Grow Aji Charapita: Seed or Plant
Both Aji Charapita seeds and young plants are very rare. With some specialized providers on the Internet you can find what you are looking for. At theIt is best to order Aji Charapita seeds at the end of January so that you can start sowing in good time. The plants are very warmth-loving and need many days for the fruit to ripen. The optimal germination temperature is between 22 and 28 °C. Keep the seeds moist (but not wet) the entire time. Once the seeds have germinated, you should place the seedlings in a very bright spot. On slightly darker days, special plant lamps help to provide enough light and thus optimal plant growth. If you buy ready-made young plants of the Aji Charapita, you should be particularly careful when planting them outdoors. Plants are extremely sensitive to a drop in temperature. The specialist speaks of a growth depression. The fruits can then be harvested and enjoyed towards the end of August to the beginning of September.
Tip: You were unsuccessful in your search for Aji Charapita seeds? Don't worry, we've got something for you: with the Plantura chilli growing kit, you can grow five other delicious chili varieties yourself - and you don't need anything else than the materials included in the kit.
If you want sweet as well as spicy, you should also check out our list of the 10 most expensive fruits in the world.