The Spicy Life: Environmental and Cultural Histories of the New Mexico Chile Pepper

Session Submission Type: Complete Panel

Abstract

In this panel, four scholars will present recent research on the environmental and cultural histories of the famed New Mexico chile pepper. Our goal is to provide a broad perspective of the how peoples, landscapes, climates, and natural resources connect to this commodity in a place that has been dubbed the Chile Pepper Capital of the World. The presenters will cover over a hundred years of history leading up to the present from their interdisciplinary backgrounds in history, anthropology, ethnic and gender studies, and museums.

Peter Kopp will present on Fabian Garcia, who launched the modern New Mexico chile pepper industry with a crossbred variety in 1906. Norma Chairez-Hartell will discuss the Bracero Program, harvesting chile peppers, and the connection to a famous regional restaurant. Divana Olivias will explore the role of the chile harvest in the work of a Chicana/o/x nonprofit in Albuquerque that began in the 1990s. And Holly Brause will share her recent research on the impact of climate change on the New Mexico chile crop.

Sub Unit

• ASEH Annual Conference

Individual Presentations

• Fabián García: Father of the New Mexico Chile Pepper Industry - Peter A Kopp, University of Colorado Denver

• Order the Chile Relleno, Remember the Braceros - Norma Chairez-Hartell, New Mexico State University

• Chile Harvest Fiestas and the Long Histories of Food Justice and Chicana/o/x Movements in New Mexico - Divana Olivias, University of New Mexico

• 21st Century Challenges: Climate Change and New Mexico Chile - Holly Brause, New Mexico State University

Chair

• Marsha Weisiger, University of Oregon