New Mexico green chile season gets an early start

Green chile season is heating up in New Mexico, with this year’s crop arriving earlier than usual for one Albuquerque retailer.

Ken DeWees, owner of Chile Traditions, said this is the earliest he can remember receiving green chile in his 33 years in business. He described this year’s crop as meaty and high-quality.

DeWees has worked with the same Hatch-area farming family for more than 30 years. He said the farm uses drip irrigation, which provides a consistent water supply despite drought conditions.

“With the hot temperatures, the right amount of water and being able to regulate the water, it makes a big difference,” DeWees said.

The irrigation system, combined with high temperatures, may have contributed to the crop’s early arrival, he said. His supply has not been affected by the drought, and he expects to have plenty of chile for the next several months.

DeWees said the best time to buy green chile is from late August through the second week of September, when all varieties are typically available. Chile Traditions carries heat levels ranging from mild to triple hot.

Green chile is generally available until the first freeze, which means customers may still find it through the end of October. However, DeWees said late-season green chile may be smaller because shorter days cause the pods to turn red more quickly.

He encouraged shoppers to ask where their chile was grown and look for New Mexico Department of Agriculture certification or labeling showing that it was grown in the state. Sellers must disclose when chile is not from New Mexico, he said.

“We need to make sure that we support New Mexico farmers,” DeWees said. “It’s a lot cheaper to grow chile in other countries and bring it over here.”

For DeWees, the business is also a family tradition. His grandchildren are involved with Chile Traditions, and he expects the business to continue for generations.

“My grandkids are involved in this,” DeWees said. “So, it’ll be here for many, many years.”