Show 184, August 13, 2016: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Hatch Chile Season

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA StudioIt’s that most wonderful time of the year – Hatch Chile season! Grown only in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico they are only available fresh for a few shorts weeks annually, now through mid-September.

Joining us for an informative update with all the Hatch Chile 411, including where to find sure-to-please recipes, is our resident Produce authority, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce. Let the roasting begin.

Harvested from fertile soil along the Rio Grande, Hatch Chiles thrive in the river valley’s combination of nutrient-rich soil, intense sunlight, and cool desert nights. The peppers develop thick walls and meaty, flavorful flesh unlike any other chile.

Because their growing season is short, Hatch Chiles are typically bought in bulk, roasted immediately, and frozen for use throughout the year. Nutritionally speaking, a single fresh medium-size green chile has as much Vitamin C as six oranges. Hot chile peppers are believed to burn calories by triggering a thermodynamic response in the body that speeds metabolism.

 

Show 39, August 24, 2013: Farmer Duane Gillis and Robert Schueller from Melissa’s.

Duane Gillis is a career farmer based in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico. He is a 4th generation farmer growing Hatch Chiles. This is the only place in the world where these coveted chiles are grown.

Hatch Chiles have a fast growing cycle. They are planted in the Spring and then fully mature in August.

One fresh medium-sized Hatch Chile pod has a much Vitamin C as contained in six oranges!

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety ProduceRobert Schueller is the long-time resident produce expert at Melissa’s. If it’s a fruit or vegetable he’s difficult to stump. He provided all the stats on Hatch Chiles.

Hatch Chiles are unusually grown in the full spectrum of hotness. You go from mild to extra hot!