NuMex Heritage
NuMex Heritage (NuMex Heritage 6-4) is an open-pollinated improved New Mexican pod-type chile pepper developed by NMSU's Chile Pepper Institute. Bred from historic 'New Mexico 6-4' germplasm, it offers consistent mild heat around 1,500 SHU, significantly higher yields, and notably superior traditional New Mexican green chile flavor with over six times the volatile flavor compounds of standard cultivars.
Growing
~85 days to maturity
Fruit size
15–20 cm
Flavor & Use
Possesses the traditional 'New Mexico 6-4' flavor with significantly enhanced intensity; gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed over 300 volatile compounds versus ~48 in comparison cultivar AZ-20, representing more than a sixfold increase in flavor compounds.
Culinary
About
'NuMex Heritage 6-4' maintains the pod length (15-20 cm / 6-8 inches), wall thickness (~3.7 mm), and heat level of the original 'New Mexico 6-4' while delivering up to 32% higher yields. Plants feature single strong main stems and uniform branching for excellent fruit set and sunscald protection. The calyx is easily removed by hand. Most importantly, it captures the classic traditional 'New Mexico 6-4' flavor prized in New Mexican cuisine, as confirmed by organoleptic tests and GC-MS analysis showing dramatically higher levels of volatile compounds. Released in 2012 by Paul W. Bosland and the NMSU program.
Backstory
In 1998, a seed sample of the original 'New Mexico 6-4' was obtained from the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation germplasm bank. Multi-year selection and breeding at NMSU's Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center, with input from the New Mexico Chile Commission for flavor and horticultural traits, led to the release of breeding line 04C377 as 'NuMex Heritage 6-4' in 2012. It restores traditional flavor while improving yield and consistency.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
We don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.