Hatch Chile loadings got underway in mid July pretty much on schedule, although with lighter volume. Overall volume is expected to be down slightly this season, according The Hatch Chile Store in Las Cruces, NM. The actual product is grown about 40 miles south of Las Cruces at Hatch, NM.
Volume this season will look a little lighter, particularly at the start of the season, due to some curly top that the plants developed which ultimately reduces yields.
The season is on schedule and small volumes were being shipped in mid July and have ramped up since. Shipments of chile peppers will continue until the end of October.
The Hatch Chile Store reports the earliest chile is always have a slightly shorter shelf life than the later chile. In September, the quality starts to go up and the seeded chile shipped in September and October has a longer shelf life. It’s easier to ship and there is less disease pressure because the days are cooler and the plants aren’t as stressed.