Hatch chiles are roasted in a specialized roaster.
melissas.com
Hatch chiles, the popular New Mexico peppers, are in season, and they’re being roasted at local grocery stores fresh to order throughout the Central Valley.
Hatch chiles are a staple of Southwestern food, delivering a distinctive vegetal flavor and a spice level that can be calibrated to every taste.
Unlike other peppers such as jalapeno and serrano, Hatch chiles have a limited season, only running from late July or early Aug. to mid-September. During the season, Hatch roasting events are commonplace in markets in New Mexico. Outside the region, vendors like Melissa’s Produce take the peppers and the specialized roasters on the road.
What are Hatch chiles?
According to Robert Schueller, director of public relations for Melissa’s Produce, the company has been selling Hatch chiles and related products for over 20 years. He says the peppers are unique in that they have thick skins and meaty flesh. He also says they are the only chiles that can be grown to specific heat levels.
“The chile peppers were developed ideally for that growing area. There was a lot of cross hybridization, and so when the growers receive their seeds every year, you know whether it’s mild, medium, hot and extra hot,” he said.
In order to be called Hatch chiles, they must be grown in and certified to be from the town of Hatch, NM. Similar peppers grown elsewhere can be called New Mexico chiles or simply green chiles. Outside of New Mexico, Anaheims are the nearest type, and a close relative.
The chiles are roasted in custom blast roasters that are designed specifically for Hatches. The chiles are tumbled over high heat to scorch the skins, then dumped out into a box to steam. The process just takes a few minutes, whereas roasting 25 pounds of chiles at home could take much longer.
“It looks like those old school metal trash containers with a blowtorch with them going around in rotation like a Ferris wheel. It is a sight to see,” Schueller said.
Once roasted, the skins can be peeled off and the internal ribs and seeds can be easily removed. This can be done right away, but Schueller prefers to leave his intact until he’s ready to use them. The roasted chiles, cleaned or not, can be portioned into zip-top or vacuum seal bags and frozen for up to two years.
When and where can I get roasted Hatch chiles?
Melissa’s sells Hatch chiles by the 25-pound case, roasted to order. Some markets may be hosting roastings with chiles provided by other vendors. Referencing the Melissa’s Produce site, Vallarta Supermarkets site and the site iHatchChile.com, roastings are occurring on the dates listed. Schueller notes that markets are still getting their permits, so new dates may come available.
Friday, Aug. 7th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 8th, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Raley’s One, 1970 Blue Oaks Blvd., Roseville
Saturday, Aug. 8th, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Safeway, 3100 Fowler Ave., Clovis
Safeway, 5051 Business Ctr. Dr., Fairfield
Safeway, 1187 Main St., Manteca
Saturday, Aug. 8th, 2026, time TBD
Vallarta, 1515 Panama Ln., Bakersfield
Sunday, Aug. 9th, 2026, time TBD
Vallarta, 851 W. Olive Ave., Merced
Saturday, Aug. 15th, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Safeway, 1770 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville
Saturday, Aug. 15th, 2026, time TBD
Vallarta, 3900 Pelandale Ave., Modesto
Friday, Aug. 21st, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 22 nd, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Raley’s, 725 South Main St., Red Bluff
Saturday, Aug. 22nd, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Safeway, 5021 Laguna Blvd., Elk Grove
Sunday, Aug. 23rd, time TBD
Vallarta, 1951 West Clinton Ave., Fresno
Saturday, Aug. 29th, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Safeway, 3051 Countryside Dr., Turlock
Saturday, Aug. 29th, 2026, 5 a.m.-1 p.m.
Albertsons, 2691 Mount Vernon Ave., Bakersfield
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Sean Timberlake
The Sacramento Bee
Sean Timberlake is the food and dining reporter for The Sacramento Bee. He has been writing professionally about food for over 20 years.
Dining and Cooking