Aji White Fantasy Chile Peppers
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Aji White Fantasy chile peppers are small and deeply wrinkled, averaging 4 to 6 centimeters in diameter and 7 to 9 centimeters in length, and grow in a downward-facing, round, bell-like shape. When young, the pods transition from light green to pale white and are smooth, firm, and are typically harvested at this stage. If left to mature, the skin will transform into a pale-yellow. Underneath the creased skin, the thick-walled flesh is pale yellow to white, encasing a central cavity filled with white membranes and tiny, light brown seeds. Aji White Fantasy chile peppers offer a crisp and juicy texture and have a sweet and tangy, fruity taste with heat that is mild but noticeable.
Seasons/Availability
Aji White Fantasy chile peppers are available in the summer through fall.
Current Facts
Aji White Fantasy chile peppers, botanically classified as Capsicum baccatum, are a hybrid variety that was developed in Europe and belongs to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Growing on a small but prolific shrub that reaches up to one meter in height, Aji White Fantasy chile peppers are a mild pepper ranging 5,000 to 10,000 SHU on the Scoville scale. Aji White Fantasy chile peppers are also known as Aji Fantasy Sparkly White and Aji Fantasy White Crystal peppers, and are an improved variety derived from the aji fantasy pepper, selected for their sweet, juicy flavor, thick, crunchy texture, and ability to be grown in containers.
Nutritional Value
Aji White Fantasy chile peppers are rich in vitamins C and A, which are antioxidants that can help build collagen and improve skin complexion, and they also contain potassium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and iron.
Applications
Aji White Fantasy chile peppers can be used in both raw or cooked applications such as roasting, baking, boiling, and sautéing. When fresh, the peppers can be chopped into salsas, layered in sandwiches, used as a garnish, and are mild enough for salads. Aji White Fantasy chile peppers can also be utilized in cooked applications such as roasted and pureed with other peppers for sauces or jams, stuffed and baked, fried as an appetizer, chopped into soups, chilis, and stews, or pickled for extended use. The small peppers have a tame flavor and are suitable for use in any recipe calling for mild peppers. Aji White Fantasy chile peppers pair well with meats such as beef, poultry, pork, and fish, pasta, rice, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and beans. The peppers will keep up to one week when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
There are two different varieties of Aji White Fantasy chile peppers that exist and were created by different breeders. One variety was developed by the commercial grower Fatalii Seeds in Finland who first developed the yellow aji fantasy, which is the variety the Aji White Fantasy is derived from. The other was a natural mutation discovered by a grower named Peter Merle in the Canary Islands, just off the coast of Morocco. The two are very similar, but the names may appear slightly different, with Fatalii Seeds sometimes adding the word ‘sparkling’ to help differentiate between the two.
Geography/History
Aji White Fantasy chile peppers are a variation of the yellow aji fantasy pepper which was the first pepper variety developed in Finland. Created by Fatalii Seeds, aji fantasy peppers are believed to be a cross between the aji lemon drop and a Brazilian baccatum variety. Aji White Fantasy chile peppers were bred to be an improved variety and are available through online seed vendors and local specialty farms in Europe, Australia, and North America.
