The year 2025 is about to get a spicy and fruity twist! Global spice leader McCormick has officially named Aji Amarillo as its Flavor of the Year.
This colorful chili pepper from South America is ready to heat up kitchens and menus around the world. With its tropical sweetness and moderate spice, Aji Amarillo is becoming one of the most exciting food trends of the year.
What Is Aji Amarillo?
Aji Amarillo means “yellow chili pepper” in Spanish, but don’t be fooled by the name — the pepper actually turns bright orange when it ripens. It’s grown mostly in Peru and is a key part of Peruvian cooking.
This pepper has been used for hundreds of years in dishes like sauces, stews, and marinades. It gives food a sunny color and a tropical flavor that feels both fresh and bold.
The Taste and Heat
What makes Aji Amarillo special is its fruity flavor with hints of mango and passion fruit. It’s not extremely hot but still gives a pleasant kick of spice.
The pepper’s heat level is measured using the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale, which tells how spicy something is.
Simple Heat Comparison Table:
| Pepper Name | Heat Level (SHU) | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jalapeño | 2,500 – 8,000 | Mild and fresh |
| Aji Amarillo | 30,000 – 50,000 | Fruity and tropical |
| Cayenne Pepper | 30,000 – 50,000 | Hot and sharp |
| Habanero | 100,000 – 350,000 | Very hot and floral |
As you can see, Aji Amarillo falls in the medium-hot range — spicy enough to stand out but not overpowering.
Why McCormick Chose It as Flavor of the Year
Every year since 2000, McCormick releases a Flavor Forecast, predicting what tastes will shape the world of food. For 2025, they selected Aji Amarillo because of its bright flavor, colorful appearance, and growing global popularity.
McCormick noticed that this pepper is appearing more often in restaurants, cocktails, and street food around the world. They also launched a special Aji Amarillo Seasoning, which mixes this chili with garlic, onion, oak smoke, and sea salt to create a perfect blend for modern cooking.
How Aji Amarillo Fits 2025 Food Trends
The spice company also identified new food trends that match the pepper’s profile.
| Trend Name | Description | Connection to Aji Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Vibes | Flavors inspired by warm, sunny regions | Aji Amarillo has tropical sweetness |
| Charred & Smoked | Cooking over fire or smoke for depth | Matches its smoky and fruity taste |
| Unexpected Pairings | Mixing sweet and spicy in new ways | Combines both in one unique pepper |
How to Use Aji Amarillo in Everyday Cooking
There are many ways to use this flavorful pepper:
- Add it to sauces and dips for a tropical twist.
- Sprinkle the seasoning on grilled chicken, seafood, or vegetables.
- Mix it into marinades with lime and olive oil.
- Stir it into soups or stews for color and flavor.
- Use a small pinch in cocktails or mocktails for a fun spicy surprise.
Chefs say this pepper’s fruity taste makes it perfect for dishes that balance sweet and heat — such as pineapple chicken, spicy shrimp tacos, or creamy aioli sauces.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Food lovers and chefs are always searching for new, exciting tastes. Aji Amarillo offers something special: it’s spicy, sweet, and colorful. It introduces more people to Peruvian cuisine while inspiring cooks around the world to experiment with global flavors.
It’s not just a food trend — it’s a symbol of how world cuisines are coming together to create bold and creative flavors in 2025.
The rise of Aji Amarillo proves that the world is ready for brighter, fruitier, and spicier flavors. Its mix of heat and sweetness makes it perfect for modern dishes, from grilled foods to cocktails.
McCormick’s choice shows that people want more adventurous tastes that connect cultures. So, if you see this pepper on a menu or spice rack, give it a try — you might discover your new favorite flavor of 2025!
FAQs
What does Aji Amarillo taste like?
It tastes fruity and slightly spicy, like mango mixed with chili.
Is Aji Amarillo very hot?
It’s medium-hot, between 30,000 and 50,000 SHU, making it spicier than jalapeños but milder than habaneros.
Where can I use Aji Amarillo?
You can add it to grilled meats, sauces, soups, and even drinks for extra flavor and color.
