The Elusive Hatch Chile

[Haveuseen1?]

Our local Whole Foods advertised a Hatch Chile Fest for this past Saturday from 1-6. They are getting the peppers from Young Guns Produce. We had soccer from 2-4 and the field is within smelling distance of the Whole Foods. Ran over there at 4 and they were out!. They said they were trying to get more in for Tuesday ( Today ). I work on the other side of town, so it looks like I will be taking a long lunch. I just cant decide on how much to buy.

 

[ClintHTX]

I bought 4 lbs which was a smaller bag of roasted hatch chiles. They recommend buying in bulk and freezing. But I never ate any so I went smaller this time.

 

[Haveuseen1?]

Ran over there, and they only got one box in. Someone was buying it as I got there. I'll try again on Thursday.

This is like trying to find Bigfoot, riding a unicorn, while chasing a leprechaun.

 

[Dr. Trout Bum]

If you pre-pay for the whole case, maybe they'll hold it for you. Well. Worth it.

 

[Haveuseen1?]

I made the prepay offer, but they said that they couldnt guarantee they would have them. They said the hatch chiles are hard to get this year.

 

[Dr. Trout Bum]

The harvest is a little later than normal....you may see more in the coming month. My local supplier won't have theirs until the weekend of 9/14.

 

[Riz58]

Find a New Mexico vendor on-line and they will ship to you.

 

[Ron_L]

Find a New Mexico vendor on-line and they will ship to you.

I'm thinking about doing this. Does anyone have a recommendation? Should I bother with ordering fresh, or are there places who roast them and flash freezes them for shipment?

 

[Haveuseen1?]

I gave thought to ordering them, but that seems to come out to around 7.50 per pound for fresh chiles. If I can catch them at Whole Foods, they are 1.99/pound for fresh chiles. Whole Foods will roast them as well. I plan on roasting them though.

 

[THoey1963]

Do you have any other grocery stores to shop from? Even $1.99 per pound seems like robbery. I think we pay about 70 cents per pound here at HEB for fresh.

 

[Ron_L]

I gave thought to ordering them, but that seems to come out to around 7.50 per pound for fresh chiles. If I can catch them at Whole Foods, they are 1.99/pound for fresh chiles. Whole Foods will roast them as well. I plan on roasting them though.

Yeah... I was just looking at the prices. I think I'll pass :-D

The Whole Foods up here does not carry them :mmph:

 

[Haveuseen1?]

I havent found any others in town that are getting them. I checked Publix, Kroger, and Earth Fare. We have a local chain but they are pitiful when it comes to produce.

I was thinking about checking out some of the mexican grocery stores. Even if I dont find Hatch there, I am sure I will leave with something.

 

[Grillman]

I buy these frozen Green Chiles from King Soopers (a Kroger store) and
have seen them at Walmart. They are usually available all year long.

They may not be the actual "Hatch" variety, but they are from that
region and are quite good. They are available in Hot or Mild.

Even if the store near you does not normally carry them, they should be
able to special order them in for you at no extra charge. Over the years
the King Soopers stores have done this for me on any request I have
made and they sell it at the normal price with no extra charges.
Walmart did this once for me on a different item. If the Kroger store
near you says "No" ask for a manager, or go to another store. It's their
official policy to order things in that they don't normally carry, as it is
usually carried by another Kroger store somewhere in the country.

Be sure to use the 12 digit UPC code on the bag so they can find it
in their computer easier.






.

 

[Ron_L]

Thanks! No Krogers around here, but I'll look at Walmart.

 

[Grillman]

Thanks! No Krogers around here, but I'll look at Walmart.

What about "Food 4 Less" stores, any near you?

 

[Ron_L]

What about "Food 4 Less" stores, any near you?

Nope...

 

[Pooj17]

Our Giant Eagle "market district" here in Ohio has them. I will be there tomm and would double check. Can these be shipped to other brothers in the mail?

 

[pattyp]

I recommend buying 60+ lbs. that's what I get at a minimum every year. Nothing they rant good on!

 

[Haveuseen1?]

Went back today, and got 3 pounds. They got them in around 10 and I got there just after noon. They said they hope to have more on Saturday.

I also picked up some Anaheims, so I can decide whether all of this is worth the effort.

Roasting tonight.

 

[THoey1963]

Congrats.

You've had me wondering. Did you create your account name with this thread in mind? :mrgreen: