Ajika

Ajika or adjika (Abkhazian: Аџьыка; Georgian: აჯიკა) is a Georgian subtly flavored sauce or dip made mainly in the Samegrelo and Abkhazia regions.[1][2] It is often used to flavor food.[3] 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.[4]

In 2018, ajika was included on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Georgia list.[5]

Etymology

The word adjika comes from Abkhaz language and means "salt".

See also

References

  1. ^ "Back to basics: Ajika becomes a Georgian national heritage".
  2. ^ "საქპატენტი - საქართველოს ინტელექტუალური საკუთრების ეროვნული ცენტრი". www.sakpatenti.gov.ge. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
  3. ^ T. Burford (2008). Georgia, Bradt Travel Guide. p. 69.
  4. ^ "Coğrafi İşaret Platformu". Coğrafi İşaret Platformu (in Turkish). Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Ajika granted the status of an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Georgia". Georgian Journal. 21 November 2018. Retrieved 23 November 2018.