Hatch Chile Powder

Hatch chile powder is made from dried and ground Hatch chiles, a variety of chili pepper grown primarily in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico. These peppers are known for their unique sweet and spicy flavor profile. After harvesting, the peppers are dried and then ground into a fine powder.

Hatch chile powder is used as a spice to add a distinct smoky, sweet, and moderately spicy flavor to foods. It is commonly found in snacks like popcorn, nuts, and chips, as well as in seasonings for meats, sauces, and baked goods. Manufacturers use it to enhance the overall taste and provide a unique flavor experience.

Hatch chile powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. It is a source of capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, which has been studied for various potential health effects. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated capsaicinoids, but specific evaluations for Hatch chile powder as a distinct ingredient are not widely documented. At typical dietary levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects.