“Authentic Hatch peppers (now in the short 6-week season of availability) are a Southwestern favorite, named after the original growing area in Hatch, New Mexico. Melissa’s Hatch peppers are grown in the Mesilla Valley, just north of Las Cruces, New Mexico. They are well known, especially in the states of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. Researchers say the intense sunlight and cool nights in the valley result in a uniquely flavored chile. The valley, which stretches along the Rio Grande’s southern-most bend before crossing into Texas and Mexico, is covered with row after row of green, leafy Hatch plants for most of the summer.”

“An older cousin of the fresh green Anaheim, Hatch peppers have a meaty flesh and can be very mild or have a medium to very hot bite. Hatch peppers are becoming increasingly popular every year, with local supermarkets hosting “Hatch Roasts,” where you can buy your fresh Hatch peppers and have them roasted right in front of you! Once you have your roasted peppers, add them to your favorite recipe or freeze them so you have them anytime you need until next year’s harvest.”

“Melissa’s Hatch Peppers are the perfect addition to recipes to add mild to hot heat, as well as a flavor distinct to the pepper. During Hatch season, the spicy scent of peppers fills the air with food memories that tease our taste buds of what’s to come. Hatch Peppers are versatile and can be used in place of any peppers in your recipes. The Melissa’s chefs suggest using them in smoothies, desserts, casseroles, soups, salads and lots more.”

“New Melissa’s products made with genuine Hatch peppers are on the market and selling like crazy! Melissa’s has introduced several new Hatch-enhanced items: Hatch popcorn, Hatch BBQ Sauce, Hatch Dijon Mustard, Hatchup (Hatch ketchup), and Hatch Clean Snax®… you won’t want to miss these. Don’t forget about Melissa’s shaker with red or green Hatch pepper powder so you can have your Hatch fix all year-round!”

Melissa’s resident Product Guru, Robert Schueller (also known as the Prince of Produce), continues as our guest discussing all things Hatch Peppers.

The post Show 484, July 23, 2022: Hatch Pepper Season with Melissa’s Robert Schueller Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.