Last week, we went to our local farmers' market and were a little disappointed there weren't very many peppers. Most stands had banana peppers and some Jalapeños. We started talking to one of the farmers and asked him if he had Anaheim or Hatch Chili peppers. He told us he grew some and would bring them the following week. So we were very excited to get some. The next week, the farmer was happy to see us since he brought the peppers to the market just for us. We got an entire peck of peppers (I know that could be the start of a tongue twister!), but we were so excited. And we got all of them for $10!!!!!
These peppers were so fresh, and they smelled so good. So, we wanted to save time and keep this excellent pepper freshness. We started the Weber Grill and proceeded to grill all these wonderful chiles. Of course, since it was a little cool out, we also started a fire in the fire pit. It was the end of a perfect day.
Difference between Anaheim and Hatch Chilies
It is so funny we have always called these delicious chiles Anaheim peppers. Until a few years ago, when we were at a Mexican restaurant, they had Hatch Green Chilies on their menu. Of course, being pepper heads, we had to order this dish to find out what these new chilies were. When they brought the dish out, we both said oh, this is an Anaheim. And then, of course, we had to Google "Hatch vs. Anaheim" to find out the difference. We found out there isn't a visual difference for the most part. Anaheim chiles are usually what is at the grocery stores.
Of course, anyone from the Hatch Valley region in New Mexico would disagree with us. The main difference between these two rockstar peppers is that one is grown in Hatch, NM, and the other primarily in California (and other locations). The Hatch is spicier, but other than that, the peppers are visually similar. And I am curious to know if the peppers we get are Hatch or Anaheim. I love the wonderful flavor of this chili pepper we purchased at our local Farmers Market in Ohio.
But hopefully, one year, we can go to the Hatch Chile festival in Hatch, New Mexico. Sounds like a fun festival, and I bet there is some great food with peppers!!! Oh, just another reason to buy that RV.
Mild or Hot Peppers?????
Hatch Chiles were transplanted to Anaheim, California, hence the different names. What I like most about both of these peppers is you never know if you will get a mild pepper or a smoking hot pepper. The Anaheim pepper is usually mild. According to the Scoville scale, they range from 500 to 2,500 Scoville units. Because of the soil and heat, the Hatch chili ranges from 1,000 to 8,000 Scoville units! In other words, the super hot ones are similar to the warmth of a Serrano pepper.
One thing we are sure of is that next year, we are going to get some Hatch and Anaheim pepper seeds to plant in our garden. This way, we can decide if there is a flavor difference. Now we know because the soil is different, and it doesn't get anywhere as hot in Ohio as it does in New Mexico, the peppers will be different. But we could get some great peppers; if nothing else, it will be a fun experiment for us!
Using Hatch Peppers or Anaheim Peppers
We grilled and froze most of the peppers to have them all winter.
There are so many great ways to use these peppers. We love adding them to cheese to make a great queso that everyone will love. They are great to add to soups, on a pesto pizza, or mix with roasted corn for a great side dish. Some of our favorite hatch pepper recipes are Air Fryer Chile Rellenos, Baked Chile Rellenos, White Chili, Tortilla Casserole, Posole, Green Chili Enchiladas Casserole, Air Fryer Chile Relleno Stuffed Chicken Breast, Chile Rellenos Quiche, and so many others!
We also love to roast bell peppers at the same time. They can also be used in sauces, red pepper hummus, garden-to-table summer salads, or even as stuffed peppers.
Where to find Hatch Peppers or Anaheim Peppers
The cool thing is you don't have to live in New Mexico or California to get these chiles! The peppers, for the most part, are available in grocery stores. They are more challenging to find in our local grocery store in N.E. Ohio. There are places to find them. The first one is, of course, a local farmers market. Remember, if they don't have them out, ask some of the farmers you might get AS lucky as we did. The other great place we have found all kinds of peppers is at the West Side Market in Cleveland. Hey, it's only 25 minutes from our house!
The chiles are also available in grocery stores or online in cans or dried. When we run out, we usually get the canned chiles. I have never tried them dried, but I'm sure they would be delicious.
Anaheim Or Hatch Peppers: Unlocking the Flavor at Your Local Farmers' Market
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 Peppers
- 1 Paper Bag or Plastic container
- 3 Freezer Bags
Instructions
- Wash the chile peppers with cold water10 Peppers
- Start Grill (Charcoal or Gas). Make sure the Grill is hot!
- Place the peppers directly over the heat.
- Some peppers will make a popping noise; this is usually when the Peppers have started to char.
- Continue to turn the peppers over on the hot grill.
- All sides should be charred.
- When all sides are charred, place the peppers into a Paper Bag or Plastic container that can be sealed.1 Paper Bag or Plastic container
- After the chiles have cooled, the skin can be easily removed by running the peppers under cool water.
- Pull the skin off, cut off the peppers' tops, and rinse the seeds. The peppers can be frozen with or without removing the skin and seeds. Place them flat in a freezer bag.3 Freezer Bags
- When ready to use - pull out the peppers you want. Run them under cool water, and the peppers defrost quickly. If you leave the skin on when freezing, it will easily peel off under cool running water. Cut off the stems and rinse out the seeds.
- Make your favorite dish!
Nutrition
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