“So, what’s the difference between New Mexico green chile and the Anaheim peppers I see in the grocery store?” Good question.
Anaheim peppers are a direct descendant or cultivar of the New Mexico type pod. In fact all generally mild peppers with a long flat pointed pod type are cultivars of “New Mexico No. 9″ released in 1913 by a horticulturist named Dr. Fabian Garcia who was with the college now known as New Mexico State University.
Seeds from “New Mexico No. 9″ were taken to the Anaheim area of Southern California where they became widely cultivated.
Because of climate differences New Mexico chiles have one growing season per year but are grown pretty much year round in Anaheim with a wider distribution. That’s why you are more likely to see them in your local mega-mart.
However, it is those soil and climate differences that make New Mexico chiles better tasting and a little hotter. At least that is the opinion of New Mexico chile aficionados like me.