Anatomy of a Hatch chile.
Where the heat actually lives, and why pulling the seeds usually doesn't help.
The parts of a chile pod
Where the flavor and heat live.
If you've ever pulled the seeds expecting a milder pod and ended up with the same fire, this is why.
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1
Pedicle The stem. Cut here for cleanest peel.
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2
Capsaicin glands Where 98% of the heat lives, along the placenta.
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3
Placenta The white pith. Remove this to actually reduce heat.
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4
Seeds Mostly heat-neutral; carry residual flavor.
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5
Mesocarp The flesh you want. Smoky, vegetal, vitamin-dense.
