The Ají Panca Chili Pepper is as versatile as it is tasty. Notably, it is a mild simmer that features quite frequently in Peruvian cooking and is most commonly used in the creation of sauces, stews, and fish dishes.
But there’s still plenty more to discover about this mild yet highly flavorful chili pepper, including its place of origin and its flavor. If you want to learn more then let us take your taste buds on a journey with this article.
Where Do Ají Panca Chili Peppers Come From?
The Ají Panca is an unusual chili pepper native to – and grown near – the coastal regions of Peru in South America. They have been cultivated since ancient times.
Aji Panca chili peppers are most commonly found dried and are rare to find fresh in markets, even in its home country of Peru.
These chili peppers can usually be found dried in either paste or powder form, making it much easier to add a bit of spice to any dish. Ají Panca Chili Peppers can also be minced to be used as a condiment or can be made into a paste.
How Hot Is The Ají Panca Chili Pepper?
According to the Scoville scale, the Ají Panca Chilli Pepper ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 SHU. Though it may be towards the lower end of the spice scale it still packs a punch when added into a dish!
As a result, these chilies are perfectly suited for both raw and cooked applications including grilling, baking, stir-frying, and roasting. They are also a great choice for individuals who prefer to have a little bit of a kick in their food, instead of burning their tongue on spice.
How Do Ají Panca Chili Peppers Taste?
These peppers are used in everyday cooking because of their complex flavor and deep red to burgundy hues. But when it is dried, the chili pepper takes on an earthy dark brown color.
The Ají Panca Chili Pepper also measures between three to five inches when fully dried and is the second most common pepper used in Peru.
The Ají Panca is similar in shape to its golden cousin, the Ají Amarillo, but has a very different taste. But that doesn’t diminish its flavor in any way!
While the Ají Amarillo offers a more tropical flavor, The Ají Panca Chilli Pepper is milder and far sweeter.
This chili pepper provides a unique berry-like fruitiness and a smoky flavor that will leave your tastebuds wanting more. This also makes it a great sweet topper for desserts and fruits.
Does The Ají Panca Chili Pepper Have Any Nutritional Benefits?
Ají Panca Chili Peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. These are both antioxidants that help to boost immunity and help repair cell damage within the skin. The peppers also contain some iron, potassium, and calcium.
Final Say
Ají Panca Chili Peppers provide a sweet yet fiery kick to any dish. It is mild enough to make an impact, but not an overpowering flavor. Nobody will be able to resist the stunningly sweet taste – with a little something extra – provided by this chili pepper.
