08/30/2023
New Mexico chile is commonly labeled as “Hatch” chile, but did you know there is actually no chile pepper variety named Hatch? The name indicates an area where the chile peppers are grown. The town of Hatch is located about 40 miles north of New Mexico State University, the home of The Chile Pepper Institute.
The New Mexican pod type was first commercially grown in the Hatch Valley and eventually spread to other areas around New Mexico. Varieties of chile peppers that fall under the New Mexican pod type include: NuMex Big Jim, NuMex Joe E. Parker, NuMex Conquistador, Española Improved, Sandia, Anaheim and New Mexico 6-4. Each of these varieties packs a unique heat level that is more than simply “mild” or “hot.”
New Mexico chile pepper varieties are also grown in other states by using the same seed, but lack unique New Mexico flavor because growing conditions are different. In addition, chile peppers have an incredibly short season – once a year in late summer/early autumn.
Visit a New Mexico farmers’ market and discover the subtle differences that make the one and only New Mexico green chile so delicious!
