The Chiles of Oaxaca

Some of our most requested chile seeds are for that of the Chiles of Oaxaca, Mexico.  To be specific, the Chilhuacles, the heart and soul of the Oaxacan moles.  The most sought after being the the very rare Chilhuacle Negro.  I don't know for certain how word spreads of these lovely varieties, rather it be a cooking shows, foodie forums, blog posting or recipe sites, but I can always tell when these lovelies come up in discussion because I get spurts of inquiries for seed availability.

I don't know what happened this growing season but the Oaxacan chiles have performed beyond any other season that I have grown them.  They can be very difficult here on the Texas Gulf Coast, namely due to the coastal humidity and of course, the fact the I have to grow them containers. Everything must have been just right this season.  Not too much rain but just enough, the extreme heat did not arrive until August.  What ever the case, it has been a bountiful season for the Oaxacans in Texas.

Here is a photo of the Tres Chilhuacles.  

The Chilhuacle Amarillo - My personal favorite for it's citrus and tangy flavor bearing smokey undertones.  I particularly like this one to season rice cooked in chicken broth.  The fruit are very hardy on the plant.

The Chilhuacle Negro - The rich smokey flavor with deep raisin / plum overtones cannot be compared.  Because the pods seem to begin to hold too much moisture and tend to rot even without any sign on the exterior, the timing of the harvest is paramount, at least in humid conditions.  Once harvested, cut open the pod and allow to dry unless using immediately.

The Chilhuacle Rojo - The most versatile, prolific and hardy of the trio.  With all of these favorable traits, the Rojo variation can be used fresh for beautiful rich red sauces or dried and ground to powder for chili sauces and seasoning blends.

We found this informative website of the chiles, spices, foods and cuisine of Oaxaca, Mexico. I think you will enjoy exploring Oaxacan-Restaurants.com

Peppermania if proud to offer The Chilhuacles and other chiles of Mexico for Season 2011.

Look for recipes incorporating the Oaxacan chiles posted at Peppermania Texas in the future.

Adios!
Beth in Texas

A Preview of Season 2011 Chiles For Seed

 Scarlet Lantern
View Peppermania Texas 2010 Chiles

It has been a fantastic chile season in Peppermania Texas.  Lots of new varieties and the return of old favorites!
The Baccatums are Back!  The Super Hots are coming on!  The return of the Chilhuacles of Oaxaca.
We will be posting a list of the coming availability very soon at Peppermania.com.  Sign Up for our coming E-Newsletter for the latest updates and specials.

See ya later alligator!
Beth in Texas

Oh Stuck! My Seed Cap Won't Let Go!

After years of starting chiles seeds and countless stuck seed caps there is one thing I have learned to be certain, leave that soldier to his own accord and he will take care of matters on his own.  There is a much better rate of survival of that little seedling just letting it grow out of that fearful constraint of a stuck seed cap than if you decide to become the "Hawkeye" of seedling surgery.  Chances are that if you take it upon yourself to tweeze and squeeze, tug and toil, you are going to put that little guy to an unmerciful death.  No matter how tempting it may be to get that seed cap off, leave it alone.  Just give it a little nursing assist and spritz with water or swab with spit to moisten.  In just a little bit of time those cotyledon leaves will overcome and kick that cap to the dirt and spread his wings.  Trust me in this truth.

Please pardon the cat hair!  As you can see, even the true leaves have come to join this battle.  Resist all temptation to become a seedling surgeon!

Peppermania Business Card Seeds

The seeds attached to my business card could be just about anything I offer, past or present, Capsicum, of course.  I started doing it years ago as a little promo thing to remind folks of my Peppermania for their chile seeds and other chile pepper-phenalia.  It seems to get folks' attention as I get lots of inquiries about them.  The black seeds are  Manzano C pubescens, the rest are collected from pods I forget the ID - got mixed up, I get tired of sorting, get Hunan Hand, have excess quantity or seeds that flick on the table, the mix is ever changing.  I don't cull them like the seeds I offer on my site.  Many folks grow them, find new favorites and send photos for ID.

Planting By The Moon

When do we set our chiles seeds in Peppermania Texas?
We plant our seeds during the waxing of the Moon, about 3 days before the Full Moon phase.  We find that we get the fastest and best germination when we sow our seeds at this time.

Why do we sow our seeds during the waxing of the Moon?
Just as the moon affects rise and fall of the tides, it also causes the moisture in the soil to rise in a more subtle way.

Planting of "above ground" crops, including peppers is best at the waxing of the Moon (as the Moon approaches Full Moon phase).
Planting of "below ground" crops is best at the waning of the Moon (after the Full Moon phase).


2012 Moon Phase Calendar At The Old Farmer's Almanac

Read More and Order or Download A Colorful Gardening By The Moon Calendar Here (No Affiliation)