From the bright color to the vibrant flavor, Aji Amarillo is the South American ingredient that boosts all types of recipes. As the 2025 Flavor of the Year, McCormick invites cooks, mixologists, and food adventurists to shake the specialty seasoning and discover the enticing taste.
Over the years, McCormick has predicted trending flavors and ingredients before they were staples in everyone’s kitchens. From Korean BBQ and Ube to the sometimes-controversial pumpkin spice, once people get a taste of these trends, they get adapted across the food and beverage landscape.
As the 2025 Flavor of the Year, the Aji Amarillo is well known in Peruvian cuisine. While it is a pepper, the flavor is not about intensity. Even though extreme spice or even swicy has woven its way into a wide array of food and beverages, Aji Amarillo is more about hitting all the taste profiles.
According to Hadar Cohen Aviram, Executive Chef and Senior Manager, Culinary Development, US Consumer at McCormick, “Our Flavor of the Year, Aji Amarillo, is the true embodiment of flavors that pack a punch. Its versatility lends itself to diverse applications, amplifying both sweet and tangy flavors and adds dimension to smoked or charred items. The Aji Amarillo Seasoning is a delicious, sweet and spicy blend that enhances any dish including seafood, poultry, sauces, salsas and more.”
That simple explanation is one morsel of the complex tale that Aji Amarillo tells. As a pepper, it does have an underlying heat, but it is subtle. Additionally, there is a complex tropical fruitiness to the flavor. A touch of mango like sweetness rounds out the other flavors and brings a brightness to recipes.
Since McCormick predicts that Peruvian cuisine will see a 59% menu growth over the next four years, it makes sense to pick Aji Amarillo as its 2025 Flavor of the Year. Whether it is a nod to the Japanese infusion that is part of Peruvian cuisine or celebrating the native ingredients with an amplification of flavor, there are plenty of ways to use this particular seasoning.
The easiest way to try this new seasoning is with grilled chicken. Bringing out the char on the protein, the flavor adds depth to the simple dish. Paired with a tropical salsa or even a simple salad, it is a great introduction to the taste.
For the more adventurous, consider using the spice on some snacks. From popcorn to nuts, it keeps the flavor from being monotonous like other drizzles or dashes. A candied nut with the Aji Amarillo is great in a snack mix, on its own, or even as a topping for ice cream or other dessert.
Lastly, the Aji Amarillo would be great when paired with a simple coarse salt and used as a cocktail garnish. The hint of tropical fruit with a sour cocktail would make for a delicious contrast.
The McCormick Aji Amarillo seasoning will be available starting in February 2025. Check with McCormick’s website for availability, pricing and more information.