Top spicemaker names 'aji amarillo' flavor of the year: What is it?
FILE - McCormick spices are displayed on a shelf at a supermarket on March 28, 2023 in San Anselmo, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The 2025 flavor of the year is here.
Spicemaker McCormick has named "aji amarillo" seasoning as its flavor of the year – to complement this year’s flavor forecast.
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What is aji amarillo seasoning?
What they're saying:
According to McCormick, aji amarillo seasoning is a "sweet, spicy blend with medium heat and tropical notes, oak smoke, garlic, and onion."
McCormick Aji Amarillo Seasoning (McCormick)
"Inspired by the pepper grown in Peru and native to South America, this unique blend can be used to enhance dishes from seafood to poultry to sauces," McCormick says.
McCormick said the spice translates to "yellow chile pepper" in English, "but the pepper actually turns orange when mature, with notes of passion fruit and mango with an approachable heat."
"A staple in Peruvian cuisine, it’s trending around the world, showing up as a key ingredient in appetizers, drinks, entrees, and more. As all things spicy continue to trend, this flavor leans into what’s new and next," McCormick says.
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McCormick 2025 flavor forecast
This year, McCormick predicts three trends in food flavoring: tropical vibes, charred & smoked, and deliciously unexpected. Tropical vibes are what you’d eat on a warm-weather island, while charred and smoked is exactly as it sounds. Deliciously unexpected means familiar flavors with creative combinations – think spicy and cooling flavors.
Ahi Amarillo seasoning will be available for sale starting Feb. 3.
The Source: This report includes information from McCormick.