Ajika


Ajika is an Abkhazian and Georgian subtly flavored sauce or dip made mainly in the regions of Abkhazia and Samegrelo. It is often used to flavor food. Ajika is primarily capsicum-based and usually includes other spices such as coriander, fenugreek, or blue fenugreek. Common varieties of ajika resemble Italian red pesto in appearance and consistency, although a dry version also exists. Though it is usually red, green ajika is also made with unripe peppers.
The dish is also prepared in Sakarya, Turkey among the Abaza people and is patented by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.
In 2018, ajika was included on the Intangible [cultural heritage of Georgia|Intangible Cultural Heritage of Georgia] list.

Etymology

The word adjika comes from the Abkhaz language and means 'salt'.