Summer is Here and so are Hatch Chiles!

Summer is the perfect time for family gatherings, barbecues and beach parties. Not only can you enjoy these fun outings with fresh fruits and vegetables, but now you can enjoy them with the best of the best fresh chiles: New Mexico Hatch Chiles!

Authentic Hatch Chiles are a favorite Southwestern chile. These chiles are named after the original growing area in Hatch, New Mexico. Melissa’s Hatch chiles are grown in the Mesilla Valley just north of Las Cruces, New Mexico. They are well known especially in the states of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. Researchers say the intense sunlight and cool nights in the valley result in a unique flavor chile. The valley, which stretches along the Rio Grande’s southern-most bend before crossing into Texas and Mexico, is covered with row after row of green leafy Hatch chile plants for most of the summer. These chiles are a variety of the fresh green Anaheim Chile with a meaty flesh and medium to hot bite.

And if you want to try something new but don’t have any recipes, check out our new Hatch Chile Cookbook written by our own co-owner Sharon Hernandez and Melissa’s Corporate Chefs… they have first hand experience with Hatch Chiles!

Along with enjoying your Hatch chiles, here are a handful of tips to keep your summer fresh and healthy:

Always keep plenty of cut up fruits and veggies in the fridge; carrots, celery, watermelon, sprite melons or any other melon. This will ensure you and your kids grab the best snack instead of the chips or cookies.

Set a bowl on the kitchen counter filled with ready-to-eat stone fruit like white nectarines, peaches, pluots, or any other favorites. These are perfect for a quick grab-n-go snack on the way out the door!

Cut up fresh veggies for dipping. If you are pressed for time, buy a ready-to-go veggie platter and set it out for the kids… you will be pleasantly surprised how quickly it disappears!

Prepare a pitcher of water with slices of fresh lemon or lime and slices of fresh cucumber (really!). This is so refreshing and delicious; you won’t crave the sugary juice or sodas.

If you are going to a barbecue, make a side-dish that you can enjoy without feeling guilty. Try making a fresh tropical fruit salad with fresh lychees or some other unusual fruits. Everyone loves different things and won’t realize they are healthy too! Grains like quinoa and faro make great summer salads, too!

Freeze grapes or bananas for a cool treat. You can even dip them in melted chocolate for a real treat.

Melissa’s fresh fruits and vegetables make it easy to stick to the plan for the summer. Getting your 5 – 10 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day, plays an important part of your well-being, so it’s best to start now!