Aji Dulce (Spinning Tops) - 15 pcs seeds

Rocotillo (Rocotillo), also known as Spinning Tops, Red Squash, Ají Dulce and Cachucha, is an attractive chilli pepper of the species Capsicum chinense. Its fruits have an unusual shape resembling a bell or flying saucer and combine gentle sweetness with a pleasant heat of just 1 500–2 500 SHU. They resemble Habanero/Adjuma in appearance, but are much milder, allowing them to be used whole in a variety of dishes.

Aji Dulce (Aji Dulce / Spinning Tops) is an excellent choice for those who appreciate the character of Capsicum chinense but are not looking for extreme heat. The attractive shape of its fruits is one of this variety’s distinctive features – it is compared to a small bell or flying saucer.

The peppers can be cooked whole and then used as an eye-catching garnish for the finished dish. At just 1 500–2 500 SHU, spicy-food lovers can comfortably eat the fruit itself.

Variety characteristics

• Variety: Aji Dulce (Aji Dulce / Spinning Tops) 
• Other names: Spinning Tops / Red Squash / Ají Dulce / Cachucha
• Botanical species: Capsicum chinense
• Type: Mild to moderately hot pepper
• Heat: 1 500–2 500 SHU
• Taste: Mildly sweet and spicy
• Shape: Bell-shaped / resembling a flying saucer
• Resemblance: Resembles Habanero/Adjuma, but is considerably milder
• Use: Suitable for cooking whole fruits and decorative serving
• Cultivation: Greenhouse or outdoors.

🔥 Heat

1 500–2 500 SHU

For a Capsicum chinense, this is exceptionally mild heat. This is one of Rocotillo’s main advantages: you get an interesting pepper with a Habanero-like appearance, but without the characteristic extreme heat of Habanero.

🌱 Sowing and growing

Sowing: January – April
Location: indoors
Germination temperature: 20–30°C
Greenhouse planting: for higher yields
Outdoor planting: around the end of May
Support: taller plants can be tied up
Pruning: possible to maintain a compact shape.

In autumn, the plants can be moved into pots and continue fruiting on a bright windowsill.

🍴 Culinary use

This is where the variety has an interesting advantage. It is recommended that the fruits be cooked whole, then used as a beautiful garnish for the dish. Thanks to its mild heat, the pepper can then be eaten whole by people who enjoy moderately spicy food.

It is suitable for stuffing, roasting, sauces, stews, and Caribbean or Latin American recipes that call for an aromatic pepper without excessive heat.