Your Garden’s Spicy Secret for Authentic Ceviche Flavor
At Inca Plant Nursery, we specialize in growing the unique and flavorful plants that reflect the rich agricultural traditions of Peru. One of our favorite peppers is the Ají Limo—a colorful, aromatic chili that’s essential in coastal Peruvian cooking, especially in ceviche.
This chili is not only beautiful in the garden, but also packs a citrusy, fruity punch that brings depth and heat to any dish. Here’s how to grow it in Florida’s Zone 9b and how to bring it into your kitchen.
🌿 What is Ají Limo?
Ají Limo is a small, slender chili that comes in striking shades of red, yellow, orange, and even purple. Don’t let its size fool you—it packs a bold flavor and ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), putting it in the same heat category as cayenne.
Known for its bright citrus aroma, it’s a signature ingredient in Peruvian ceviche, as well as in fresh salsas, marinades, and seafood dishes. The flavor is complex—fruity, floral, and spicy all at once—which makes it highly sought after by chefs and home cooks alike.
☀️ Growing Ají Limo in Zone 9b (Florida)
Ají Limo is a sun-loving plant that thrives in warm, tropical or subtropical regions. Here’s how to care for it in your garden:
✅ Planting & Soil:
- Choose a sunny spot with 6–8 hours of full sun.
- Use well-draining, fertile soil, ideally amended with compost or worm castings.
- Plant in the ground, raised beds, or 3–5 gallon pots.
💧 Water & Fertilizer:
- Water deeply but infrequently—let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced blend (like 10-10-10). When flowering starts, switch to one higher in potassium to promote fruiting.
📏 Growth & Harvest:
- Ají Limo grows as a compact, bushy plant about 2 to 3 feet tall.
- Fruits mature 80–100 days after transplanting.
- Harvest when the peppers are fully colored (red, orange, or yellow) and glossy.
❄️ Cold Protection:
- While it’s a perennial in its native climate, treat it as an annual or overwinter indoors in Florida if temperatures drop below 50°F.
- You can keep it going in a pot or greenhouse during winter months.
🍽️ How to Use Ají Limo in the Kitchen
Once your plant starts producing, you’ll have a steady supply of fresh heat! Here are some favorite ways to enjoy Ají Limo:
🐟 Ceviche Clásico (Peruvian Ceviche)
Thinly sliced fresh fish, marinated in lime juice, thinly sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and finely minced Ají Limo for a punch of heat. It’s fresh, bold, and one of Peru’s most iconic dishes.
🔥 Ají Limo Salsa:
Blend Ají Limo with garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt for a spicy, citrus-forward sauce perfect for grilled meats, rice bowls, or dipping.
🧄 Ají Limo Infused Oil:
Lightly sauté chopped Ají Limo in olive oil and strain. Use the spicy oil to drizzle over vegetables, roasted potatoes, or even popcorn!
🧊 Tip: Freeze chopped or whole peppers to use year-round—or pickle them in vinegar for a tangy condiment.
🌱 Get Your Ají Limo Plant at Inca Plant Nursery
We grow Ají Limo with care and cultural pride, right here in Geneva, Florida. Whether you’re a gardener, a home chef, or a fan of Peruvian cuisine, this chili will add beauty and bold flavor to your space.
📍Visit us: 3571 N CR 426, Geneva, FL 32732
🕙 Open Thursday to Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
🔗 Shop or learn more at IncaPlant.com
Ají Limo—el sabor del Perú, cultivado en Florida.
Spicy, citrusy, and unforgettable.
