It's that most glorious time of year for our neighbors in New Mexico: chile-roasting season.
Hatch chile peppers have a short growing season, usually from August to early September, and are grown exclusively in the Hatch Valley region of New Mexico.
At the beginning of the season, farmers usually harvest green chiles, which is the color often associated with Hatch chile peppers. But as the peppers mature, they turn red. The red ones are usually picked at the end of summer harvest. Because of the short season, many people stockpile the peppers by freezing them.
A freshly roasted Hatch chile has a flavor profile that's earthy, smoky and a little sweet, with a range of heat levels. Lucky for us in Phoenix, the Hatch Valley isn't too far away and there are a few places here in the Valley roasting fresh green chiles.
If you're looking to get your seasonal Hatch chile fix, here are three places to get some in metro Phoenix:
Power Road Farmers Market
Power Road Farmers Market has been going strong for 50 years. The Mesa farmers market is roasting Hatch green chiles every day of the week while they're available. People can purchase them fresh or roasted, by the pound or burlap sack. Their website even features a recipe for green chile lasagna. Check the market's Facebook page for updates.
Details: 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. 480-497-0706, powerrdfarmersmarket.com.
Arriba Mexican Grill
Arriba has been serving New Mexican dishes in the Valley since 1995 and has five locations: Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Ahwatukee Foothills and Gilbert. The annual green chile roast is on now, running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at all locations. Chiles will be available for $1.99 per pound. Check Arriba Mexican Grill on Facebook for updates.
Details: Arrowhead Towne Center, 17211 N. 79th Ave., Glendale. 623-878-5777. Find additional locations at arribamexicangrill.com.
Green Chile Love
Phoenix food truck Green Chile Love offers a variety of Hatch-loaded foods, including burgers and burritos smothered with pork Hatch green chile in mild or hot spice levels. The truck is roasting chiles in their new rotating grill and they might also have bags of fresh chiles available during the season. Check Green Chile Love's Facebook for updates.
Details: 602-730-1238, greenchilelove.com, streetfoodfinder.com/greenchilelove.
Fry's Food Stores
If you haven't already checked out our Hatch Chile Finder, click here to find the grocery stores in AZ carrying fresh Hatch Chile Pepper : Hatch Chiles in Arizona
Source: Priscilla Totiyapungprasert / Arizona Republic
