There are hundreds of variations on chimichurri, according to Patagonia, but Chouinard felt the ingredient that made the sauce so memorable was aji molido (“ground chile”), made from a long red chile know in Argentina asaji criollo.
It took years of searching, the company says, but now with partners in Argentina, Patagonia has found the right sources for organic aji molido. Planted at 8,200 feet in Argentina’s Salta region, the growers believe a combination of extreme altitude, dry air, scant irrigation, and harsh limestone makes the plants fight for survival, resulting in a deep, rich-flavored chile. possible.
Patagonia Provisions' new collection of organic spices include Organic Aji Molido, Organic Chimichurri Spice Blend, and Organic Taco Seasoning Spice Blend. The spices are packed in recyclable boxes made of paper from FSC-certified sustainable forestry operations. The translucent inner sleeve is NatureFlex, a non-GMO bioplastic from FSC-certified eucalyptus trees.
Along with the spices, Chouinard shared his recipe for making chimichurri sauce.