Hatch green chiles are not just a delicious favorite. They’re also packed with nutrients that can support good health. Grown and cultivated in Hatch Valley, New Mexico, these green chile peppers pack a punch while keeping you healthy.
A jar of Hatch chile is the best addition if you want to spice up your meals and maintain a balanced diet. This guide explains how they can support a healthy body weight and better digestion.
Hatch Green Chile’s Nutritional Value
Whether you’re buying Roasted Hatch Green Chile or any other chile product, they have impressive nutritional value with their vitamins and minerals, especially when they’re fresh. They usually don’t have many calories and fats while offering important antioxidants to your body.
Hatch Chiles and a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet mixes various food groups, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein foods, dairy foods, or dairy alternatives. Hatch chiles can enhance the nutrition and flavor of these foods. Here’s how they fit into your diet:
- Vegetable group: Hatch chiles, such as green chile peppers, can be considered vegetables, and they contribute to your daily vegetable consumption.
- Low in fat: They have no saturated fat or trans fat to minimize your fat intake.
- Flavor enhancer: Hatch chiles let you cut down on processed foods and high-sodium sauces with their natural flavor in your meals.
- Rich in antioxidants: Hatch chiles can fight against cell damage and oxidative stress.
- Low calories: Fresh chile or chile pods are usually low in calories, helping you maintain a healthy weight. An ideal body weight puts you at a lower risk of chronic diseases that will eventually affect your body, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Rich in fiber: It helps you feel full for a longer time, so you won’t have to eat snacks all the time.
Adding Hatch peppers to your healthy foods every day can help you lose weight, or you just want to change your eating habits.
How to Use Hatch Chiles in the Kitchen
Fresh, frozen or roasted chiles can make your meals taste better. Here’s how you can use them:
- Grilled: You can use the chiles as a smoky side dish or an addition to wraps and sandwiches.
- Roasted: Toss the chiles into scrambled eggs, tacos, or burrito bowls.
- Soups and stews: For a heartier dinner, mix the chile into your vegetable soup or pozole.
- Rice dishes: Stir Hatch green chiles into brown rice or quinoa for a more complete and packed meal.
Pro Tip: Build your tolerance with the Hatch chile’s heat over time. Many Hatch peppers, like Anaheim peppers, are milder in spice level than other varieties.
Essential Nutrients in Hatch Chiles
You’ll get these important nutrients when you add chiles to your meals:
- Vitamin C: Supports iron absorption, immunity, and skin health.
- Vitamin A: Promotes eye health and normal organ function, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
- B Vitamins: Helps in the nervous system’s health and energy metabolism.
- Potassium: Helps in muscle function.
- Fiber: Helps improve gut health and digestion.
Capsaicin: The One That Brings In the Heat
Capsaicin gives the medium heat of Hatch chiles—a natural compound in chile peppers. It provides a spicy kick and offers these benefits:
- Boosts metabolism: Capsaicin can greatly increase the rate your body burns calories, supporting weight loss efforts.
- Reduces inflammation: Capsaicin may ease inflamed areas and discomfort in your body, helping and relieving people with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
- Enhances cardiovascular health: Some studies show that chiles may help control cholesterol levels and blood pressure spikes.
- Appetite control: You may feel less hungry when the heat from chile pods does its work.
More research may be needed to confirm these benefits, but foods rich in capsaicin can support your journey to a healthy diet.
How to Choose and Prepare the Healthiest Hatch Chiles
Aiming for fresh chile helps you get the most out of it whenever you’re cooking in the kitchen. You can find roasted or frozen Hatch chile in many grocery stores in the U.S., specifically from August to October.
Follow these preparation tips:
- Roast or grill the chile instead of frying.
- Reduce saturated fat in the chiles by adding olive oil instead of butter.
- Pair the chiles with whole grains, beans, and greens.
- Limit adding too much salt when using jarred or canned chiles.
Beware of heavily processed Hatch chile products or those packed in fruit juice, cream sauces, or excessive sodium, as they can reduce some of the health benefits.
Parting Words
Adding Hatch green chile to your meals is a simple and flavorful way to support your health. They’re rich in nutrients, low in calories, and versatile in many dishes. They’re a satisfying addition to your meal plan, as their benefits go beyond the plate.
Buy your Hatch green chile from your trusted retailer to get the freshest one for your meals. The spicy kick is to die for if you like spice in your food.
