Perfect Hatch Chile Pickin’ & Roastin’

Hatch ChilesHatch ’em while you can!

The tapered green chiles known as Hatch chiles are exclusively grown in the farmlands of Hatch, New Mexico. In season from late summer to early fall, Hatch chiles are beloved by fans due to their robust and spicy flavor. Because only chiles of this variety, grown in the Hatch region of New Mexico, can be called Hatch, there is another name for the same type of chile. Anaheim chiles are attributed to farmer Emilio Ortega who brought the seeds from New Mexico to Anaheim, California in 1894. The only difference is in the heat of the chiles, as the Anaheim is much milder than the Hatch chile.

Perfect pickin’

When it comes to picking the perfect Hatch chiles, keep your eyes peeled for firm, smooth peppers with no blemishes, soft spots or wrinkles. Once picked, wrap unwashed Hatch chiles in a paper towel, place in a sealed container and refrigerate. They should keep for up to 14 days.

How hot are Hatch chiles?

Capsaicin is the chemical compound that gives all peppers their heat. Quantifying this is the Scoville heat unit scale, or SHU. A little bit of a wild card, Hatch chiles range from 1,000–8,000 SHU. What does this mean? For comparison, here are some peppers with their SHU heat range:
  • Green peppers 0 SHU
  • Anaheim peppers 500-1,000 SHU
  • Jalapeños 2,500-8,000 SHU
  • Habaneros 100,000-350,000 SHU

How to roast Hatch chiles at home

While you can certainly eat Hatch chiles raw, they are best when roasted. Roasting the chiles mellows out the pepper’s potential fiery heat and lends to the distinctive, rich flavor of the chile. Additionally, the skins are tougher than other peppers. Properly roasting them makes removing the tough skins easier. Roasting Hatch chiles at home is easy—all you need to do is char the skin of the pepper. You can do this on a grill, in your broiler, or even with a pair of tongs over a gas flame on your stove. Our preferred method is via the oven.

Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Set the oven on broil and the whole process should take 10–12 minutes.
  2. Turn the peppers as the tops blister and char until they’re done on all sides, then remove.
  3. Immediately seal them in a resealable bag or foil and allow to cool. Cooling in the bag/foil will make the charred outer skin pull away from the pepper, making them a breeze to peel.
  4. When they are cool, remove them from the bag and use your fingers to gently peel the dark, blistered skin off, under cool running water.
  5. Slice down the length of the pepper and remove the top and seeds.
Tip: Stock up! Roasted Hatch chiles freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy their fresh Southwestern flavor long after their window of availability has closed.

Fire up the kitchen with these bold recipes!

 

Hatch Chile Esquites

Hatch Chile Esquites

Get Recipe
Hatch Cornbread Muffins

Mini Hatch Chile Cornbread Muffins

Get Recipe
Hatch Green Chile Mini Chicken Nachos

Hatch Chile Chicken Nachos

Get Recipe

DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts

Go ahead, wear your heart on your sleeve and embrace the sentimental feelings in the air. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to share a bit of your heart with others. The best news? You don’t have to stick with the standard gifts that may come to mind. With these easy-to-make and thoughtful DIY ideas, you can brighten the day of a special someone, friend, family member or colleague.

Peppermint hearts

Peppermint Infusion Hearts

What You’ll Need:

  • Crushed peppermint
  • Coffee filters
  • Baker’s thread
  • Construction paper
  • Hot chocolate

Directions:

  1. Using a folded coffee filter, cut out a heart shape. After you have two heart shapes, stitch together around the edges until only a small opening remains.
  2. Place peppermint candies in a plastic bag and crush until the pieces are broken down. Put about a spoonful of crushed peppermint inside the small opening of the coffee filter and finish stitching until it’s closed.
  3. Attach a medium-length piece of baker’s thread to your peppermint-filled heart. Cut a small heart out of paper and add it at the other end of the thread to make a little “tag” like the ones that tea bags have. Present the gift with hot cocoa for a refreshing peppermint twist on a classic chocolatey treat.
Lotion Bars shaped like hearts

Homemade Lotion Bars

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 cup Beeswax
  • 1 cup Coconut Oil
  • 1/2 cup Shea butter
  • Silicon heart-shaped mold
  • 25 drops Lavender essential oil
  • At least 2 hours for refrigeration

Directions:

  1. Start by warming beeswax in a double boiler until it becomes smooth.
  2. Add coconut oil and melt the two ingredients. Stir until smooth and add lavender essential oils.
  3. Let cool and place in silicon molds and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Trail mix in a jar

“Simply Nuts for You”
Mason Jar Treat

What You’ll Need:

  • Chalkboard spray paint
  • Painter’s tape
  • Chalk
  • Trail mix
  • Gift tag
  • Twine or ribbon

Directions:

  1. Create a heart shape on the mason jar with painter’s tape. Using an open area, cover the mason jar with the chalkboard spray paint.
  2. Once it’s dry, carefully peel off the tape. Add a personalized touch by making a design with white chalk.
  3. Cut out a gift tag and create a small hole at the top. Thread twine through and loop around twice at the top of the mason jar.
  4. Pour in your special someone’s favorite trail mix.

Dry Rub Recipes

All the grill masters in your life will love these flavorful DIY dry rub recipes and you’ll love how easy they are to make! Paired with a new set of grilling tools, these create a great gift.

Spice rubs in jars

All-Purpose Spice Rub Recipe

  • 2 Tbsp. Coffee beans, finely ground
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. Granulated garlic
  • 1 tsp. Black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. Cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. Ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.

Caribbean Rub

  • 3 Tbsp. Brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. Paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. Cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp. Coarse salt
  • 2 tsp. Ground ginger
  • 1 tsp. Allspice
  • 1 tsp. Cayenne pepper
  • 3/4 tsp. Nutmeg
  • 3/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.

Buffalo Spice Rub

  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. Chile powder
  • 1 Tbsp. Smoked paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. Cumin
  • 1 tsp. Cayenne, plus more for taste
  • 2 Tbsp. Garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp. Ground mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. Kosher salt
  • 1 Tbsp. Freshly ground black pepper

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.

DIY Father’s Day Gifts

Say thank you to all the doting dads and handsome heroes this Father’s day. After all, where would we be without dad jokes, practical advice and bear hugs? If the standard gifts are feeling a little tired, we have a few ideas to “tie” this Father’s Day together.

Rosemary Shaving Cream

Rosemary and Peppermint Shaving Balm

Your dad will feel pampered and refreshed after using this rosemary mint shaving balm—and will love knowing that it was made with love, by yours truly!

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup Shea butter
  • 1/4 cup Virgin coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup Jojoba or sweet almond oil
  • 10 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 3-5 drops Peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Place a small saucepan over low heat and mix shea butter and coconut oil, stirring until melted. Transfer mixture to a heat-resistant bowl and add in jojoba oil (or almond oil), then the essential oils and stir.
  2. Chill mixture in the refrigerator until solid. Once solid, remove from refrigerator and whip mixture using a beater. Mix until light and fluffy. Store in an airtight container for up to one month.
Note: This shaving lotion is soap-free and will not create a lather, but rather, a protective barrier between the razor and skin. Swish razor in water between strokes and enjoy!
Dads Dry Rub

Dad’s Day BBQ Rub

Here’s a super easy and thoughtful gift that you can gather from our Bulk Department! Let your inner artist out by layering spices to create a colorful complement to your summer barbecues.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. Chile powder
  • 1 tsp. Black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Onion powder
  • 1 Tbsp. Thyme
  • 2 Tbsp. Sea salt
  • 1 tsp. Garlic salt

Instructions:

Layer spices multiple times into a small mason jar and seal. Decorate with a ribbon or twine.

Sprouts Artisan Bread

Simple Ingredients

When it comes to our artisan breads, we truly believe less is more! After all, it’s the simple things that taste best, and with only three main ingredients, our artisan breads are deliciously simple—no preservatives, no artificial colors or ingredients. We’re also proud to share that each one of our specially crafted breads are made in small batches using non-GMO verified, freshly-milled flour to give you that authentic homemade taste and quality in every loaf. Once you experience the hearty crust and soft, pillowy center, you’ll be reaching for seconds … and thirds!

Pure Goodness

Knowing where your food comes from is just as important as what’s in it. That’s why all varieties of Sprouts artisan breads are made with pure ingredients that are completely traceable! Our partnership with American farmers ensures complete transparency in every step, from the seeds planted and wheat harvested, to the milling and baking process using only water and salt. You can trust that your bread is pure and satisfying from farm to table, every time.

Experience these small-batch loaves that are big in flavor!

SHOP NOW

Salted Caramel Desserts

These desserts are nothing short of what your salted caramel dreams are made of! This sweet and salty concoction has been a fan-favorite every fall and for a good reason too—it tastes great in desserts or by the spoonful! Celebrate the first days of fall cozied up at home with these mouthwatering, unforgettable desserts.
Salted Caramel Cupcakes

Vegan Salted Caramel Cupcakes

These light and fluffy vegan salted caramel cupcakes are topped with a buttercream frosting and doused in homemade caramel sauce.

View Recipe
Caramel Apple Cookie Skillet with Ice Cream

Gluten-free Salted Caramel Apple Cookie Skillet

Warning: this cookie skillet will be too good to put down! This dessert features a crispy, gluten-free cookie base topped with spiced apples, salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.

View Recipe
Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

This rich and creamy vanilla-cinnamon cheesecake is complemented by a graham cracker crust, tart Granny Smith apples and drizzled in salted caramel sauce … need we say more?

View Recipe