Chili Peppers - Aji Benito - 15 Seeds

Aji Benito is a Bolivian variety of the species Capsicum baccatum , suitable for lovers of more moderately hot peppers. The fruits are elongated and relatively thin, reaching about 8 cm in length . They are light green at first, and gradually turn red as they mature.

One of the interesting features of the variety is its growth. Aji Benito forms stable and strong bushes, reaching approximately 125 cm in height . According to Vreeken's Zaden, the plants tolerate cooler conditions relatively well, which is why the variety can also be successfully grown outdoors. However, for maximum yield, the manufacturer recommends greenhouse cultivation.

The spiciness is relatively moderate – 1,000–1,500 Scoville units (SHU) . This makes Aji Benito a good choice for people looking for a spicy flavor without the extreme heat of varieties like Habanero or Bhut Jolokia.

Another great advantage is the ability to overwinter the plant. At the end of the season, it can be potted and brought indoors, where the fruit can continue to ripen. In the spring, the plant is pruned and with proper care can be grown for several years , instead of starting from seed each year.

Characteristics of the variety

✔️ Variety: Aji Benito
✔️ Botanical species: Capsicum baccatum
✔️ Type: Chili pepper
✔️ Origin: Bolivia
✔️ Hotness: 1,000–1,500 SHU
✔️ Fruit length: up to 8 cm
✔️ Shape: Elongated and thin
✔️ Color of unripe fruit: Light green
✔️ Color at full maturity: Red
✔️ Plant height: up to about 125 cm
✔️ Growth: Strong, bushy
✔️ Good resistance to cooler conditions
✔️ Suitable for wintering
✔️ Perennial cultivation: Possible with protection from cold.

🌡️ Anger

🔥 1,000–1,500 SHU on the Scoville scale

Aji Benito falls into the category of moderately hot peppers . This allows the fruit to be used more liberally in cooking without the spiciness completely dominating the other flavors. The listed value of 1,000–1,500 SHU

🌱 Sowing and growing

Sowing period: January – April
Location: Indoors
Germination temperature: 20–30°C
Planting in a greenhouse: after sufficient plant development
Planting outdoors: around the end of May
Maximum height: about 125 cm .

For higher yields, the variety can be grown in a greenhouse. For taller plants, the use of stakes or other support is recommended. Alternatively, the plants can be pruned to maintain a more compact shape.

🪴 Hibernation

Aji Benito offers an interesting option for perennial cultivation.

In the fall, the plant can be moved to a suitable pot and brought indoors. Placed in a bright place, for example next to a window, it can continue to develop and ripen the remaining fruits. Pruning is carried out in the spring, after which the plant can begin active growth again. According to the supplier, the plants can be preserved for several years in this way.

🍴 Culinary app

Thanks to its moderate spiciness, Aji Benito is suitable for:

• Fresh consumption
• Salads and sandwiches
• Spicy sauces
• Salsa
• Pickling
• Pickles
• Vegetable dishes
• Soups and stews
• Drying
• Preparation of homemade hot spices

The moderate spiciness allows for the use of a larger amount of fruit when the goal is to add spiciness without making the dish too spicy.

💡 Tip from Urban Botaniks: Start Aji Benito seeds early in the season at a stable temperature of 20–30°C . If you have enough light in the winter, try overwintering the strongest plants – they can start growing significantly earlier next season than plants grown from seed.