The Supreme Quality of Hatch Green Chiles: A Legacy of New Mexico
They are the best chiles period in the entire civilized universe— and El Paso! License plates don’t lie. Paul Douglas you’re alive in River City.
Why Hatch Green Chiles Stand Out
Hatch Green Chiles are ranked as the best because they generally are at the top of the food chain for quality and consistency. This area has also benefited greatly from the immense research conducted at nearby New Mexico State University. Other areas in New Mexico, such as Chimayo and various small communities, grow outstanding green chiles to which aficionados have extreme loyalty.
NM Indian Pueblo Tribes grow their own versions of green chile and specialize in ripening and drying the chile into traditional "ristras" hanging from the vigas on the outside of their homes. However, there are imposters who take New Mexico-grown chiles, plant their seeds in Mexico, and take advantage of cheap labor to claim that the chile is from New Mexico.
Famous for a Reason: The Aroma and Flavor
Like Vidalia Onions and other "branded" food products, the 'superb marketing' of Hatch Green Chiles takes on a life of its own. The aroma of roasting green New Mexico chile is one of a kind, making it a must for any gourmet chef or food enthusiast.
A Personal Experience with Fresh Hatch Green Chiles
No, they are indeed the best. We just roasted, peeled, and bagged a large bushel of them last Saturday.
Hatch Green Chile vs. Other Varieties
Hatch Green Chile is indeed good generic marketing for New Mexico's famous product. However, it isn't the only type of Chile older residents prefer. There are dozens of farms in the Rio Grande Valley offering unique and gourmet varieties such as the "Pintando" Big Jim Chili, a big, sweet, meaty chili that ripens late and might not be available due to early frost.
These farms provide a unique roasting service, tumbling the chili in the roaster and washing it with a hose to moisten it and remove any dirt. This detail makes a significant difference.
Please do not misunderstand that Hatch Green Chili is a product you can count on. But if you visit New Mexico restaurants, you will find an astonishing range of flavors that can be coaxed out of chili. Older New Mexico families often have incredible recipes for this wonderful food, passed down through generations.
In conclusion, while Hatch Green Chiles are supreme, there is a vast world of chile varieties and flavors in New Mexico. Whether it's the consistent quality of Hatch Green Chiles or the unique flavors of other varieties, New Mexico has a rich tradition of chile-making that every food lover should experience. So next time you find yourself in New Mexico, be sure to try a roasted chile for yourself and decide for yourself what awesome flavors await you.