Aji Fantasy Peppers Guide: Heat, Flavor, Uses

Aji Fantasy peppers have one of the more unique shapes that you’ll find on the Scoville scale, with a squashed, lantern-like look reminiscent of the Bishop’s Crown pepper. Originating from Finland, these peppers boast a citrusy, fruity sweetness (lightly tropical) and a low-medium heat (5,000 to 10,000 Scoville heat units), giving them plenty of versatility in the kitchen. Fresh salsas, salads, and marinades are all excellent options for the Aji Fantasy, and they work particularly well in seafood and poultry dishes.

How hot are Aji Fantasy peppers?

These chilies hit the sweet-spot of eatability for many spicy food fans, 5,000 to 10,000 Scoville heat units (SHU). That’s considered a low-medium heat. To put this in perspective, Aji Fantasy’s heat is akin to that of a jalapeño (2,500 to 8,000 SHU), just with a slightly higher floor and ceiling. At its maximum spiciness, it hits the potential of the mildest possible serrano chili (10,000 to 23,000 SHU). 

Compared to the Bishop’s Crown, a pepper with a similar overall appearance, the Aji Fantasy is a much milder alternative. The Bishop’s Crown ranges from 5,000 to 30,000 SHU, so a similar heat floor, but with the potential to reach cayenne levels of spiciness (30,000 to 50,000 SHU.)

This is for sure a sweet spot for culinary adventure. It provides just enough warmth to enliven dishes without overwhelming the palate. This moderate spiciness ensures their appeal among a broad audience, from those who are spice cautious to enthusiasts looking to add the pepper’s unique flavor without overwhelming intensity. The Aji Fantasy’s flavor profile certainly shines through.

What do they taste like and look like?

It’s hard not to notice the Aji Fantasy among a group of chilies. It’s unique. They have a small, pendulous, lantern-like shape, with smooth skin. They grow to roughly two inches in length. As mentioned, they’re similar to another one of the more unique chilies you’ll find, the Bishop’s Crown, which gets its name from looking like a bishop’s miter.

While you can find these chilies in different colors, the most prevalent is a “white” version, known as Aji White Fantasy. Their color transitions from an off-white to a subtle creamy beige (even a light yellow) upon ripening, providing a hint of their mature sweetness.

In terms of taste, these peppers have a bright, sweet, citrus-forward flavor profile. The fruity essence captures notes of lemon and lime, with a touch of fruitiness that lightens any dish. The flavor can border on tropical sweetness, but it’s not to the same level as a scotch bonnet or habanero. 

Cooking with Aji Fantasy

With their eatable heat and deliciously sweet flavor, these chilies are remarkably versatile. Their moderate heat makes them perfect candidates for fresh dishes like salsas and salads, where their citrusy, sweet characteristics shine the brightest. They can also be used to craft homemade hot sauces that are flavorful without being tongue-tinglingly hot. Additionally, these peppers pair well with seafood and poultry, adding a bright, sweet touch to dishes like ceviche or grilled chicken.

One added value with the Aji White Fantasy is how easily the peppers blend into cream sauces. Their off-white hue is similar to that of the fish pepper, which is well-known for its ability to “just disappear” in white sauces.

Handling the Aji Fantasy is very similar to handling a jalapeño. You can pick them up when whole without too much fear of chili burn. But it’s recommended to use kitchen gloves with any chili once you begin to chop or slice. Even mild chilies can provide you with an uncomfortable level of burn when precautions aren’t taken. 

Learn More: Treating Chili Burn: What You Need To Know

Growing Aji Fantasy Peppers

Growing these peppers at home can be rewarding, especially when you consider their unique flavor and attractive appearance. Aji Fantasy plants are often praised for their high yield, producing an abundant number of peppers throughout the growing season. This characteristic makes them an excellent choice for both home gardeners and small-scale producers looking to maximize their harvest. As for growing them in containers, they are also quite well-suited for this method. 

Here are the primary considerations to keep in mind:

• Container Size (if using a container):
  • Use a container that is at least 3 to 5 gallons in volume to provide ample space for root development.
  • Ensure the container has good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
• Seed Selection: Start with high-quality hot pepper seeds from reputable sources to ensure the best germination rates and plant health.
• Soil Requirements:
  • Use well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
  • A pH level between 6.2 and 7.0 is ideal for optimal growth. Learn more on pH levels for peppers.
• Watering:
  • Maintain consistent moisture in the soil; avoid letting it dry out completely.
  • Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot, which can be a common issue with peppers.
• Sunlight:
  • Position the plants to receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • If growing indoors, consider using grow lights to simulate sunlight exposure.
• Temperature:
  • Aji Fantasy Peppers thrive in warm temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F.
  • Protect the plants from cold drafts and avoid temperatures below 55°F.
• Fertilization:
  • Use a balanced fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season. Learn more on fertilization.
  • Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
• Pests and Diseases:
  • Monitor plants regularly for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Learn more on common pests.
  • Maintain good airflow around plants to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
• Support:
  • Depending on their growth, plants might require staking to support the branches and prevent them from breaking under the weight of the peppers.
• Harvesting:
  • Harvest the peppers once they reach their mature color and size, typically a creamy white.
  • Use scissors or pruners to cut the peppers cleanly from the plant, reducing damage.

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• The Hot Pepper List: We profile 175+ chilies. Search them by heat, flavor, uses, and more. This is a must-bookmark for chili pepper fans.
• Our Hot Sauce Rankings: Want to find your next new favorite? We review and rank 100+ hot sauces. You can even search them by the hot peppers used.
• The Guide to White Peppers: Find more chilies with a white hue.