Hatch Green Chile Pepper

The Hatch green chile pepper is a variety of chile pepper grown in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico. It is known for its distinctive flavor, which can range from sweet to mildly spicy depending on the specific cultivar and ripeness. These peppers are often roasted to enhance their smoky flavor before being used in food products.

Hatch green chile peppers are used to add a unique, slightly spicy, and smoky flavor to a wide variety of foods. Manufacturers incorporate them into snacks like popcorn and nuts, as well as savory items such as frozen patties, burgers, and sauces. They are prized for their distinctive regional flavor profile.

Hatch green chile peppers are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. They are a source of vitamins, particularly Vitamin C and Vitamin A, and contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat. While capsaicin has been studied for various health effects, evidence is mixed, and no definitive health claims are made by major regulatory bodies. JECFA has evaluated capsaicinoids, but did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified).