Red Section Separator

Spicy exchange / 2023

Aji Limo (Lemon Drop Pepper): A Peruvian Favorite

Cream Section Separator

What are Aji Limo peppers?

The Aji Limo pepper is a type of chili pepper that originated in Peru, particularly in the coastal regions near Lima.

Red Section Separator

Legend has it that the pepper was named “Limo” after the city of Lima, but upon being exported to the United States, it was mistranslated into “Limon,” which means lemon. This led to American companies referring to the pepper as “lemon drop peppers.”

Are they the same as Lemon Drop peppers?

Cream Section Separator

How hot are they?

Aji Limo peppers are medium in heat, clocking in at 30,000 to 50,000 SHU. It's similar in heat to cayenne and tabasco peppers, but much milder than habaneros.

Red Section Separator

Aji limo peppers have a bright and tangy flavor, with notes of citrus and tropical fruit, as well as a subtle floral aroma

What do they taste like?

Cream Section Separator

How to use them

Aji Limo peppers are a staple in Peruvian cuisine. They’re commonly used in popular dishes, including ceviche and lomo saltado.

Get the free guide to growing chili peppers

The "green thumb" is a myth — with the right information, anyone can successfully grow peppers. Enjoy this free 34-page guide to help you grow an abundant harvest.

Cream Section Separator