Aji Amarallio

Aji Amarillo – the spicy yellow pepper from Peru – is a key ingredient to some of the most classic dishes of Peruvian gastronomy. For example, it can be found in ceviches or spicy salads. You could prepare a tiradito from Aji Amarillo or make Papa a la Huancaina (potatoes with cheese sauce). It is also in well known dish, Aji de Gallina, often made with nuts, parmesan, milk, and, of course, Aji Amarillo. Lastly, Aji Amarillo is key to perhaps the most famous Peruvian dish, Lomo Saltado, as well as many Picantes de Mariscos or seafood stews, much like Jambalaya or Spanish Seafood  Paellas. It is incredibly versatile because it’s flavorful balance of the right amount of spice and a fruity taste, so even children can enjoy it – in small bits. Some spicier peppers that are also famous in Peru include Rocoto, Aji Limo and Panca. Panca is the key ingredient used to make Anticuchos, an appetizer that celebrity chef Nobu includes in his restaurants.

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Pisco Spirit of Peru

As for Pisco, it is the heart and spirit of Peru, as evidenced by the national drink and Peruvian pride, the Pisco sour. Pisco is a spirit derived solely from grapes, like a cognac, but kept in wood barrels. This transparent, shining alcohol also presents the delicious aromas of the grape varieties from which it came. There are 3 types of Piscos, the Puro or single grape, the Acholado, a blend of 2 or more of the 8 Pisco grape varieties, and the Mosto Verde, the finest of all, produced by interrupting the fermentation process. Depending on the grapes used, this spirit can be aromatic or non-aromatic. Pisco can be enjoyed straight, like cognac, or added to cocktails. For cocktails typically served with vodka, the non-aromatic Pisco can be a perfect substitute, and for gin-lovers, try replacing it with the crisp aromatic Pisco. The most popular non-aromatic Pisco’s are made with the Quebranta grape and the most popular aromatic ones use the Italia grape.

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Popular Pisco Brands

There are many Pisco brands available in the US market and they can be found in bars and restaurants, liquor stores and via the internet. One of the most active is Caravedo which not only presents an excellent quality Pisco, but also can claim the oldest, still-running distillery in all the Americas. Other great Pisco brands that can be found in the USA include Barsol, Macchu Pisco, Pisco 100, 1615, Tacama, Biondy, Queirolo, Vinas de Oro, 4 Gallos, Tabernero and Capurro, and many others. In Peru there are more than 500 Pisco producers that follow the rules established in the Denomination of Origin that makes Pisco a protected  category, just like Champagne.

Refer to www.perumarketplace.com for B2B contacts.

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