Scarcity of Chimayo Red chile in New Mexico linked to fewer cultivators and decline in farming traditions.

Chimayo Red chile, a rare and highly sought-after pepper from New Mexico, is facing scarcity as fewer farmers cultivate it. Prized for its rich flavor, it sells for $50 per pound, in contrast to the more common Hatch chile at $7. The decline in Chimayo Red production is linked to the loss of farming traditions and drug-related issues affecting younger generations. Currently, fewer than 500 acres are dedicated to Chimayo Red annually, compared to 50,000 acres of Hatch chile.

September 21, 2024
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