Capsicum baccatum

Capsicum baccatum is a species of chili pepper that includes the following cultivars:

Ají amarillo, also called amarillo chili and ají escabeche

Peppadew

Lemon drop, ají limon (not to be confused with ají limo, a Capsicum chinense cultivar)

Bishop's crown

Brazilian Starfish

Wild Baccatum

Etymology

Ají is the Caribbean word for chili or peppers. The Spanish colonizers spread the term to much of South America.

Origins and distribution

The C. baccatum species, particularly the Ají amarillo chili, has its origins in ancient Peru. It is typically associated with Peruvian cuisine, and is considered part of its condiment trinity together with red onion and cilantro. Ají amarillo literally means yellow chili; however, the yellow color appears when cooked, as the mature pods are bright orange.

Cultivated baccatum (C. baccatum var. pendulum) is the domesticated pepper of choice of Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile.