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7500 Central SE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108
505.255.7950
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Famous Hatch, New Mexico
Green Chile Peppers
Red or Green?

Here in New Mexico, our claim to fame is Hatch, NM - the chile
capital of the world. With Hatch's unique combination of temperature,
rain and soil - breeders and botanists have developed a chile pepper
that
is uniquely
their own.The chili/chile pepper has evolved into numerous distinct species
and varieties, taking on various shapes and pungency. Chile pungency
levels are the results of two factors, the plant's genetics and the environment
in which it grows. Many say just by tasting
a chili/chile pod - they can tell whether the
pepper was grown north or south of I-40 (old Route 66).
In
New Mexico, when we ask the question "red or green" - we're
referring to our Hatch Chile Peppers. Green
chile is used in numerous New Mexican recipes. Chile peppers that remain
on the vine eventually turn red. Often, red chile peppers are
used to create decorative chile ristras that decorate many New Mexico
homes. Red or green chile is a matter of personal preference. Try some
of our native New Mexican chile products to decide for yourself!
Every Labor Day, Hatch, New Mexico hosts a chile festival that draws
over 30,000 visitors to participate in chile cook-offs, chile roasting,
and numerous chile festival events.
Nutritional information of Chile Peppers
The New Mexico State University and
it's Chile Pepper Institute has this to say regarding the the nutritional
and vitamin value
of chile peppers.
Calcium
Importance: Builds and maintains bones and teeth; regulates heart
rhythm; eases insomnia; helps regulate the passage of nutrients in & out
of the cell walls; assists in normal blood clotting; helps maintain
proper nerve and muscle function; lowers blood pressure; important
to normal kidney function and in current medical research reduces the
incidence of colon cancer, and reduces blood cholesterol levels.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in arm and leg muscles spasms, softening
of bones, back and leg cramps, brittle bones, rickets, poor growth, osteoporosis
( a deterioration of the bones), tooth decay, depression.
Iron
Importance: Its major function is to combine with protein and copper
in making hemoglobin. Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood from
the lungs to the tissues which need oxygen to maintain basic life functions.
Iron builds up the quality of the blood and increases resistance to
stress and disease. It is also necessary for the formation of myoglobin
which is found only in muscle tissue. Myoglobin supplies oxygen to
muscle cells for use in the chemical reaction that results in muscle
contraction. Iron also prevent fatigue and promotes good skin tone.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in weakness, paleness of skin, constipation,
anemia.
Magnesium
Importance: Plays an important role in regulating the neuromuscular activity
of the heart; maintains normal heart rhythm; necessary for proper calcium & Vitamin
C metabolism; converts blood sugar into energy.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in calcium depletion, heart spasms nervousness,
muscular excitability, confusion; kidney stones.
Phosphorous
Importance: Works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Helps
in metabolism.
Potassium
Importance: Works with sodium to regulate the body's waste balance and
normalize heart rhythms; aids in clear thinking by sending oxygen to
the brain; preserves proper alkalinity of body fluids; stimulates the
kidneys to eliminate poisonous body wastes; assists in reducing high
blood pressure; promotes healthy skin.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in poor reflexes, nervous disorders,
respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, muscle damage.
Vitamin C is essential in wound healing and in the formation of collagen,
a protein important in the formation of healthy skin, tendons, bones,
and supportive tissues. Deficiency results in defective collagen formation
and is marked by joint pains, irritability, growth retardation, anemia,
shortness of breath, and increased susceptibility to infection.
Vitamin A has a direct role in vision and is a component of a pigment
present in the retina of the eye. It is essential for the proper functioning
of most body organs and also affects the functioning of the immune system.
Riboflavin or Vitamin B2 is required to complete several reactions in
the energy cycle. Reddening of the lips with cracks at the corners of
the mouth, inflammation of the tongue, and a greasy, scaly inflammation
of the skin are common symptoms of deficiency.
Niacin or nicotinic acid helps the metabolism of carbohydrates. Prolonged
deprivation leads to pellagra, a disease characterized by skin lesions,
gastrointestinal disturbance, and nervous symptoms.
Vitamin B6 is a coenzyme for several enzyme systems involved in the
metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. No human disease has
been found to be caused by a deficiency of this vitamin. Chronic use
of large doses of vitamin B6 can create dependency and cause complications
in the peripheral nervous system.
Folate or folic acid is necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids
and the formation of red blood cells. Folic-acid deficiency most commonly
causes folic-acid-deficiency anemia. Symptoms include gastrointestinal
problems, such as sore tongue, cracks at the corners of the mouth, diarrhea,
and ulceration of the stomach and intestines. Large doses of folic acid
can cause convulsions and other nervous-system problems.
Tryptophan (Essential Amino Acid) a natural relaxant, helps alleviate
insomnia by inducing normal sleep; reduces anxiety & depression;
helps in the treatment of migraine headaches; helps the immune system;
helps reduce the risk of artery & heart spasms; works with Lysine
in reducing cholesterol levels.
Lysine (Essential Amino Acid) insures the adequate absorption of calcium;
helps form collagen ( which makes up bone cartilage & connective
tissues); aids in the production of antibodies, hormones & enzymes.
Recent studies have shown that Lysine may be effective against herpes
by improving the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth. A deficiency
may result in tiredness, inability to concentrate, irritability, bloodshot
eyes, retarded growth, hair loss, anemia & reproductive problems.
Phenylalaine (Essential Amino Acid) used by the brain to produce Norepinephrine,
a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells and the brain;
keeps you awake & alert; reduces hunger pains; functions as an antidepressant
and helps improve memory.
Nutritional information reprinted from the NMSU
Chile Pepper Institute-
Reknown experts of chile peppers..
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