Chile Roasting Season Begins Around New Mexico

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — It's that time of year again when the smell of fresh roasted green chile permeates the air in New Mexico. The roasting has begun in Las Cruces and is expected to continue through mid-October as the green peppers are harvested. Those left hanging will become red chile. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports (http://bit.ly/2aO0FE4) there has been a noted uptick in recent weeks of activities outside grocery stores as large chile roasters have appeared. Stores in the Albuquerque area also are setting up for the annual tradition. Las Cruces resident Diana Muñiz waited Wednesday to have eight pounds of chile roasted. She said the smell "just kind of makes you feel better inside." Chile is one of New Mexico's most famous crops and annual production is valued around $40 million.