Hatch

Also known as Hatch Chile · New Mexico Green Chile · Hatch Green Chile

The Hatch pepper is the iconic New Mexican green chile, celebrated worldwide for its unique earthy-sweet flavor that comes from the volcanic soil and high-desert climate of the Hatch Valley.

Growing

~120 days to maturity

Fruit size

15–25 cm

Flavor & Use

Earthy and slightly sweet with a rich, smoky depth when roasted. The thick walls give it a satisfying bite and make it ideal for peeling after roasting.

earthysweetsmokyslightly fruityroasted flavor

Culinary

roasted green chilessalsasstewsenchiladasquesadillasburgerschile rellenoscanningdried red chile powder

About

Hatch peppers are long (6–8 inches), tapered, and slightly curved with smooth, glossy skin. They are harvested green for roasting or allowed to ripen to red. The flesh is thick and meaty with a mild-to-medium heat (1,000–8,000 SHU).

Backstory

Grown exclusively in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico, these chiles have been cultivated for over 100 years. The unique soil and climate give them a signature flavor that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Every year the town of Hatch holds the famous Hatch Chile Festival, drawing thousands of visitors.

Appearance

ShapeLong, tapered, slightly curved
ColorGreen · Red
Size15–25 cm
WallThick
SkinSmooth glossy

Growing

SunFull
WaterModerate
ClimateHigh-desert arid
Days to maturity120 days
Plant height60–90 cm
Soil pH6–7
Germination7–14 days
Spacing30 cm
HardinessZones 9-11

Heritage

We don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.

Sources