Experience the flavor of a Hatch Chile

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Hatch Chile in known more for flavor than heat but it can still pack a punch. This weekend is all about celebrating the rare New Mexico pepper and enjoying the flavor it puts out.

The Hatch Chile is named after where it’s grown, Hatch New Mexico. Ranging from mild to medium hot and hot, the pepper boasts exceptional flavor, and can be made into almost anything. From pizza to burgers, even cheese bread and popcorn there’s no shortage of creativity with this pepper.

The hottest type of Hatch Chile sits about 5,000 on the Scoville Scale, just below a Jalapeno and above a Serrano. What makes the pepper so unique, is not just the flavor but the short growing season. Hatch Chile’s are only grown in New Mexico and only available after their annual harvest in late August through early September.

To celebrate the occasion, The Fresh Market in Fort Myers is hosting a Hatch Chile Festival starting at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. The free event lets you try and sample anything and everything Hatch Chile and maybe even take some home if you desire.

The Fresh Market in Fort Myers is located at 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. at the Bell Tower Shops, to find the Fresh Market closest to you, click here.