Question 1

Is it spelled chile, chili, or chilli?

Accepted Answer

In New Mexico and throughout the Southwest, the correct spelling is 'chile' (with an E) when referring to the pepper plant or fruit. 'Chili' (with an I) refers to the meat dish (chili con carne), while 'chilli' is the British/Commonwealth spelling. Senator Pete Domenici entered the 'chile' spelling into the Congressional Record in 1983 as the official New Mexican spelling.

Question 2

Why don't New Mexicans say 'pepper' when talking about Hatch chile?

Accepted Answer

In New Mexican culture, chile is so central to identity that the word stands alone without 'pepper.' Adding 'pepper' is redundant, like saying 'ATM machine.' You'll rarely hear locals say 'Hatch peppers' or 'green chile peppers'—it's simply 'chile' or 'green chile.' Products labeled 'Hatch chili peppers' often indicate the producer lacks authentic ties to the Hatch Valley community.

Question 3

Is Hatch chile a variety or a location?

Accepted Answer

Hatch chile is a geographic designation, not a variety. Like Champagne or Parmigiano-Reggiano, 'Hatch' refers to the Hatch Valley of New Mexico where the chile is grown. The actual varieties grown in Hatch include Big Jim, Sandia, NuMex 6-4, Lumbre, and others. Each variety has different heat levels and flavor profiles, but all grown in the Hatch Valley are 'Hatch chile.'

Question 4

What is the difference between Hatch chile and Anaheim peppers?

Accepted Answer

While Anaheim chiles share genetic ancestry with New Mexico chile (the seeds were taken from New Mexico to California in the early 1900s), they differ significantly. Hatch chile is grown in the unique terroir of the Hatch Valley with specific soil, water, and climate conditions that create its distinctive flavor. Anaheim peppers were bred in California for milder heat and thinner walls, making them less flavorful than authentic Hatch chile.

Question 5

What does 'Christmas' mean when ordering chile in New Mexico?

Accepted Answer

'Christmas' is the New Mexican term for ordering both red AND green chile together on the same dish. When a server asks 'Red or green?'—the official state question of New Mexico—answering 'Christmas' gets you both colors. It's called Christmas because the combination of red and green resembles holiday colors.

Question 6

What are the most common Hatch chile varieties?

Accepted Answer

The most popular Hatch chile varieties include: Big Jim (mild to medium, large pods ideal for chile rellenos), Sandia (hot, consistent heat), NuMex 6-4 (mild, developed at NMSU), Joe E. Parker (mild, thick walls), and Lumbre (extra hot, smaller pods). Each variety was developed at or with New Mexico State University's Chile Pepper Institute for specific characteristics.

Question 7

How do you pronounce 'chile' correctly?

Accepted Answer

The traditional Spanish pronunciation is 'CHEE-leh' (two syllables, emphasis on first, final 'e' is pronounced). However, the anglicized 'CHILL-ee' pronunciation is also common in casual conversation in New Mexico. Either pronunciation is acceptable—what matters more is the spelling (chile with an E) and avoiding the word 'pepper.'

Question 8

What is a ristra?

Accepted Answer

A ristra (pronounced 'REE-strah') is a string of dried red chile pods, traditionally hung from porches and vigas (wooden beams) in New Mexican architecture. The word comes from Spanish meaning 'string.' Ristras serve both decorative and practical purposes—they allow chiles to dry for year-round use. Authentic ristras from the Hatch Valley are handmade using traditional techniques.

Question 9

Where can I buy authentic Hatch chile online?

Accepted Answer

You can buy authentic Hatch chile online directly from farms in the Hatch Valley. Look for sellers who use the correct 'chile' spelling, specify actual varieties (Big Jim, Sandia, etc.), and have verifiable connections to New Mexico farming. Hatch Chile Store ships fresh, roasted, and frozen Hatch chile nationwide year-round, directly from our 5th-generation family farm in the Hatch Valley.

Question 10

When is Hatch chile season?

Accepted Answer

Hatch chile season runs from late July through early October, with peak harvest in August and September. Fresh green chile is available during this window, while roasted and frozen chile is available year-round. The annual Hatch Chile Festival is held Labor Day weekend in Hatch, New Mexico. Pre-orders for fresh chile typically open in January and close around July 1.

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Is it spelled "chile" or "chili"? - Hatch Chile Store's Definitive Answer

Is it spelled "chile" or "chili"? - Hatch Chile Store's Definitive Answer

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