Hatch chile peppers are a generic name for New Mexican peppers that are grown and harvested in the Hatch Valley region, New Mexico. Learn more about the Hatch chile pepper from Chili Pepper Madness.
Scoville Heat Units: 1,000 - 8,000 SHU (or hotter)
What are Hatch Chile Peppers?
Hatch chile peppers are actually a generic name for New Mexican peppers that are grown and harvested in the Hatch Valley region, New Mexico.
Located in the heart of the Rio Grande agricultural territory, Hatch, New Mexico, is often referred to as the Chili Capital of the World.
The name "Hatch peppers" often refer to the type of chilies the area has brought to fame, regardless of where they were actually grown, though to be authentically called a Hatch pepper, the pods must be grown in the Hatch region.
Hatch chilies grown today (in fact all New Mexican peppers) owe their genetic base from cultivars first developed by Fabián Garcia at the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, now known as the New Mexico State University, in 1894.
The annual Hatch Chile Festival occurs each Labor Day weekend and draws up to 30,000 people from around the world to the tiny town of less than 2,000 residents.
They are an important part of the culture for anyone who lives in New Mexico.
Legislators passed a law in 2012 that prohibits the sale of chili peppers with the label "New Mexican" unless actually grown in New Mexico, or they must include a disclaimer label of "Not Grown in New Mexico".
History of the Hatch Chile Pepper
New Mexican chili pepper pod types were developed starting in 1894. Fabian Garcia from the New Mexico State University crossed several local pod types with a goal of improving them for the region. He sought larger, smoother peppers that were better for canning.
After several years of crossing and growing, he released a variety called New Mexico No. 9 in 1913. All New Mexican chili peppers owe their genetic base to these peppers.
Today, chili pepper studies continue at the Chile Pepper Institute in New Mexico, founded by Paul Bosland in order to study New Mexican peppers and others from around the world.
How Many Types of Hatch Peppers Are There?
There are many varieties of Hatch Peppers. Here is a list of some of the most popular:
- NuMex Big Jim
- NuMex Sandia
- NuMex Joe E. Parker
- New Mexico 6-4
- NuMex Heritage 6-4
- NuMex Heritage Big Jim
- Barker Extra Hot
- NuMex R Naky
How Hot Are Hatch Chile Peppers?
Most Hatch peppers are about a third as hot as a typical jalapeno pepper, or they can be about as hot as your typical jalapeno.
Because there are different types of chili peppers that can be categorized as Hatch Chile Peppers, there heat levels can vary from a fairly mild 1,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) to around 8,000 SHU.
Learn more about the Scoville Scale Here.
Some Hatch peppers can be even hotter, again depending on the variety. I've been told some can be on par with habanero pepper heat.
What Do Hatch Chile Peppers Taste Like?
Hatch peppers are hugely popular in the New Mexican and surrounding region, but they are becoming very popular through the entire U.S.
They are quite earthy in flavor, similar to the Anaheim chili pepper. Some say their flavors are said affected positively by the rich regional soil in which they are grown, though others argue that the soil is irrelevant, and that they taste great wherever they are grown.
They can be eaten raw, offering a crisp, spicy flavor and a mild pungency similar to an onion, though they are typically roasted which gives them a smoky, rich, earthier, sometimes buttery flavor.
Hatch green chiles offer a bit more bite, while aging them to ripened red Hatch chiles mellows them and the heat they deliver from an initial bite to more of a blooming back heat.
What Are Hatch Chiles Used For?
Hatch peppers are used in a wide variety of dishes across the U.S., particularly in New Mexico.
They are used to make soups and stews, sauces, chopped and cooked into chilis and other daily dishes. They are also very popular for making stuffed peppers. Roast chile is massively popular.
Fresh Hatch peppers are great for many dishes, but the flavors really bloom with roasted Hatch green chiles. Red as well.
How To Cook with Hatch Chile Peppers
Cooking with Hatch peppers is certainly an art form, and one of the most oft asked questions in the New Mexican region is simply, "Red or Green?", which refers to the color of your preferred sauce.
Locals enjoy cooking and eating their Hatch peppers as either a pureed red chili sauce or a green chili sauce, and I can tell you from personal experience that both versions are extremely flavorful.
Hatch Chile Recipes
Looking for recipes for cooking with Hatch peppers? Here is a list of recipes I have on the site. Contact me with any requests!
Can I Grow Hatch Chile Peppers?
Of course! You can grow the different types of Hatch peppers from seed or purchase seedlings and grow them in your own garden anywhere that chili peppers can be grown. However, as they won't be growing in Hatch, New Mexico, they can't actually be called "Hatch Chile Peppers".
When is Hatch Chile Season?
Hatch chile peppers have a very short cultivation season, as they are larger peppers with very thick walls. They are typically harvested in August and September each year, though the season can be extended a couple weeks on either side, depending on the weather.
This is referred as Hatch chile season.
Where Can I Find Hatch Chile Peppers?
It used to be that you couldn't get Hatch chile peppers outside of the Hatch, New Mexico region, but they are quickly becoming more and more available at local grocery stores of through online retailers. I have personally ordered roasted Hatch chile peppers online and had them delivered frozen.
They are easily preserved and extremely delicious this way. I enjoy both roasted Hatch chile and fresh chile.
What Can I Substitute for Hatch Chiles?
If you are unable to obtain Hatch peppers, Anaheim peppers make a good substitute. Cubanelle peppers can work as well.
I've used poblano peppers as a substitute and was quite happy. You really want to find a good thicker walled chili pepper to sub in for Hatch chiles, something with a milder level of heat.
Where Can I Buy Hatch Chile Peppers?
Here is a list of recommended resources for where you can purchase flavorful, authentic Hatch chile peppers from New Mexico online, shipped straight to your door.
Where Can You Buy Hatch Chile Peppers? Here are my recommendations.
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. I hope you’ll leave a comment below. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
This post was updated on 7/30/19 with new information and photos. It was originally published on 9/20/13.
Christine says
As a Canadian transplanted into Arkansas I needed to know what all the buzz was about this week. Thanks for the informative post!
I wonder though why New Mexico went ballistic and needed the name change. I mean, who would know (or even care) about France if it weren't for the fries?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Glad to help, Christine! =)
Matt says
Michael,I grew some Hatch plants from seed six months ago. The leaves look fine, but some of the peppers are becoming necrotic toward the ends. Any ideas ? I water every 2-3 days and fertilize every two weeks. Am I overdoing it ? Thanks, Matt
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Matt, it sounds like blossom end rot, which is usually from the soil starting out wet then going dry, also resulting in a calcium deficiency. Be sure to not overwater your plants, but maintain consistent levels of moisture, and look for a calcium supplement for the soil.
Gary Hilton says
Here in Kansas City area, you can find canned Hatch green chilis that are chopped. Walmart....
Price Chopper sometimes has roasted Hatch Chilis...if you call the local store manager, maybe they will order some...if enough people call, they will figure out they will corner the market.
Tanja says
I found some Hatch peppers at my local Kroger and made a Hatch Green Chili. The fam loved it so much I ordered a 5 pound box from a grower in NM for $35. I now have a freezer full of Hatch chiles that will (hopefully) last the rest of the year!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Wonderful!! Yes, they are quite delicious.
Don says
can the seeds after roasting still germinate?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Don, it is possible, though unlikely. You'll get the best germination from fresh seeds.
Delia & Tony says
Greetings Folks,
Delia and Tony here I Delia am a native to Arizona Tony is from Texaz and we love chilies from Hatch NM. We make the six hour trip every Hiloday weekend. We usually pick up the hot hot roasted chili plus a bag of jalapenos and some chili powders from the Festival. This year unfortunately it was canceled 50 year tradition. So we drove in to town this year and picked up 4 bushels, family and friend request this year since most do not want to venture out due to covid. Many many thanks for keeping the tradition. Count on us yearly. I make our yearly tradition on the Holidays red chili smoked brisket tamsles. Be safe all and thank you for sharing.
Delia and Tony
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks for commenting, Delia and Tony! I'm envious!
Rose Thompson says
I am born and raised Albuquerque (north of Hatch) I am curious to your views on "Junie" flavor and how hot would you rate it? Would you say is it hotter than, 1) Big Jim or 2) Sandia (I consider those medium heat) ?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Rose, I haven't personally tried these, though I really want to. I know they are supposed to rank at up to 10K SHU, which would be hotter than most Hatch chiles. I hope to try them myself soon!
Nicki B says
We just moved to Texas last year and have noticed all the hatch chili’s in grocery stores here. Is there a way to figure out which are the mildest ones? We can’t eat the really spicy ones but would love to make some homemade chili rellenos. Thanks!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Nicki, the peppers should be labeled according to heat level. Check out the different types of Hatch chiles on the post to get their Scoville ratings. Ask your grocer or source for mild.
Bob says
All Sprouts around me carry them. Give Sprouts a try.
Bob says
Just picked up 25lbs medium and 25lbs hot hatch chili's 1 week apart. Medium batch was handed out to neighbors with no complaints. Hot batch is TOO HOT for me and the Mrs. How do I tone it down? Mix 25lbs more of medium??? I need help.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Bob, the best way is to dilute the batches, as you mentioned, though you can try adding other ingredients, such as tomatoes, etc. Or use a dairy, which will combat the heat.
Dwight says
This is great writing. Worthy of a Masters degree, I would say.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Dwight! Hatch chiles are the best!
Bill says
If you can't find Hatch chiles, substitute Anaheims for mild chiles. Substitute Serrano Peppers for extra hot Hatch chiles. I find the flavors to be similar. Add Serranos to Anaheims to adjust the heat level as desired. I've made mild green chile chicken enchiladas, then put a bowl of extra hot on the table for the real chile heads!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks for your input, Bill!