Hatch Chile season is back at Stater Bros. Markets and it’s hotter than ever!

For a limited time only, come experience these vibrant green peppers that are more than meets the eye. With a complex flavor profile that brings a smoky, spicy depth and a hint of sweetness to any dish, these peppers are here to tantalize your taste buds. Want to learn more about these amazing peppers? Explore our guide on all things Hatch Chile!

What is Hatch Chile?

Nestled in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico, the unique combination of high altitude, plentiful sunshine, and cool nights creates a perfect environment for the unique flavor profile of Hatch Chiles to grow. These long green chiles, originally cultivated from earlier varieties brought by Spanish settlers, have thrived in this specific growing region for centuries. The Hatch Valley’s special climate coaxes out the perfect balance of sweetness, smoky depth, and a gentle heat that makes Hatch Chiles so famous, and a beloved and irreplaceable ingredient in New Mexican cuisine.

When is Hatch Chile season?

Buying and Selecting Hatch Chiles

During their limited season, keep an eye out for vibrant green Hatch Chiles in the produce department. When selecting these peppers, ensure the chiles are firm with smooth, taut skin. A nice green color indicates freshness, while a hint of red suggests a slightly sweeter and smokier flavor. Gently press the chiles – they should feel plump and spring back slightly. Always be sure to avoid any chiles with blemishes, wrinkles, or soft spots.

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How to Roast Hatch Chiles

Hatch chiles are beloved for their smoky depth and subtle heat, but their magic truly comes alive with roasting. Whether you use a grill or your oven, roasting Hatch chiles unlocks their full potential, transforming them from crisp and grassy to bursting with rich, complex flavor. The charred skin adds a touch of smokiness, while the flesh becomes tender and sweet. Roasted Hatch chiles elevate any dish, adding a unique twist to salsas, stews, or even enjoyed simply on their own.

Wash peppers and pat dry thoroughly.
If roasting on a grill, place peppers directly over a fire for 4-5 minutes until skin is charred evenly on all sides.
If using an oven, place peppers flat on an oven-safe baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for 4-5 minutes and then flip over and continue broiling for an additional 4-5 minutes.
Remove from heat.

Whether you are grilling or broiling, the goal is for the peppers to become softer and have a nice char on the outside. That’s how you will know when the peppers are ready to be taken off the heat.

Peeling and Preparing Roasted Hatch Chiles

You might be wondering, “Do you have to peel Hatch chiles?” While the edible skin adds a touch of smokiness, peeling allows the full, nuanced flavor to shine. Here’s the quick and easy method for removing the charred skin, leaving you with perfectly roasted Hatch chiles ready to be enjoyed in any dish you have in mind.

Before you start, we recommend practicing safety when handling the peppers. Be sure to wear gloves while peeling and chopping, and to wash your hands after handling peppers. As well, avoid any contact with your eyes when handling the peppers.

If you’d like to reduce the heat levels of the pepper, we recommend removing the seeds and veins inside the pepper. Simply, slice the pepper down the middle and remove the insides with a spoon. If you like heat, keep everything inside!

Storing Hatch Chiles

While the Hatch Chile season may be short, the good news is you can always keep the Hatch fun going well after the season ends with proper food storage methods. Whether you prefer them peeled or whole, we have a few simple storage solutions for you to know how to store Hatch Chiles!

Simply place peppers in an appropriately sized container or storage bag, we recommend our Family of Brands storage bags from Simply Done. Once roasted and cooled, simply place your Hatch Chiles in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible before placing them into the freezer. Freezing the Hatch Chiles is the best method of preserving them as long as possible. Frozen Hatch chiles can last up to 12 to 18 months, ready to be thawed and enjoyed whenever the craving strikes!

If you’d like to explore more methods of food storage, be sure to read our article, Food Preservation: Making Your Groceries Last Longer.

Cooking with Hatch Chiles

These vibrant green peppers pack a flavor punch unlike any other. Their smoky depth, subtle heat, and a hint of sweetness elevate any dish. Get ready to transform your dishes with our fun and easy-to-do Hatch Chilie-inspired recipes!

Hatch Chile Events

Get ready to fire up your taste buds because the legendary Stater Bros. Hatch Chile Roasting events are back! Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the magic of fresh-roasted Hatch chiles at select Stater Bros. locations. We’ll have everything you need to unlock the Hatch Chile magic, from perfectly roasted chiles to delicious recipe ideas. Explore more from Stater Bros. Markets.

Craving More Hatch Chile Content?

If you’re looking for more Hatch Chile recipes, exciting roasting events, and valuable information about this iconic pepper variety, you’re in for a treat!

More on Hatch Chile

Don’t miss out on this fleeting taste sensation! Hatch chiles are a seasonal treasure, and Stater Bros. is your one-stop shop to experience their magic. From smoky depth to a hint of sweetness, these vibrant green wonders elevate any dish. Head down to our Hatch Chile Roasting events and discover a world of flavor possibilities.