Behold the chile!
As summer draws to a close and temperatures begin to drop, we gear up for chile season. The smell of roasting peppers over a hot flame is why New Mexicans get up in the morning. We live for the flavor and spice. The roaring propane, the smell tickling your nose and bits of burnt peel floating through the air is something only true New Mexicans appreciate. It’s simply the best time of the year. Here’s some reasons why:
1. One green chile has as much vitamin-c as 6 oranges!
As the chile matures and turns red, the vitamin-c count drops and the vitamin-a count dramatically increases. Chiles also contain calcium, phosphorous, iron, potassium and a host of antioxidants. It’s good for your health!
2. Chile Peppers help with blood clots!
Really. These peppers are good for your health! The capsaicin in green chile helps to thin the blood. It also may help prevent the growth of certain cancers and aid in many skin conditions including psoriasis, itching and bruising. The consumption of green chile even increases the enzyme that are responsible for fat metabolism in the liver!
3. Chile can be used for medicinal purposes
Green chile has been used for centuries by the Pueblo Indians to reduce swelling in the body. It’s also been used to draw out poison from bee stings and snake bites.
4. Hot Green Chile burns calories
Hot chile peppers burn calories by triggering a thermodynamic burn in the body, which speeds up the metabolism.
5. There’s a level of spice for every mouth
Whether you prefer heat that leaves your forehead sweating or the mild, but flavor filled bite, there are chiles available for you. Capsaicin is an oil in the chile that causes the heat. Measuring the capsaicin is how to determine the spiciness of the pepper.
If you get a chile that’s hotter than you like, don’t use water to cool your mouth! Capsaicin, because it’s an oil, doesn’t react to the water. Water and oil don’t mix. Try whole fat milk or other dairy products. It’s also said that sugars (juice, kool-aid, etc) can help reduce the heat!
However you like your chiles, New Mexico is proud to be home to the best ones in the world. Take in everything this season brings. Enjoy the sights and smells of the best time of year to be a New Mexican!
What’s your favorite part of chile season?
