SW New Mexico News

The Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University has relocated to the Fabián García Science Center. For several decades, the institute operated out of Gerald Thomas Hall on NMSU’s Las Cruces campus. Recently, it moved into its new location where faculty members and students conduct research on chile peppers and other crops important to New Mexico’s economy.

“Our relocation to the Fabián García Science Center enhances our commitment to accessibility and community engagement,” said April Beauchemin, program specialist for the Chile Pepper Institute.

The institute also manages the Amy Goldman-Fowler Teaching Garden at the science center. The garden is open for self-guided tours from sunrise to sunset seven days a week during chile-growing season.

“Being located alongside the Amy Goldman-Fowler Teaching Garden allows us to effortlessly offer public tours and share our passion for chile peppers with the community,” Beauchemin said. “We will announce our grand opening celebration at a later date, but in the meantime, we are open and ready to serve the public.”

Established in 1992, the institute is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to research and education related to chile peppers. It is part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Researchers at NMSU have built on the work of horticulturists like Fabián García, who began standardizing chile pepper varieties in 1888.

Visitors can stop by the institute for information about chile peppers, particularly New Mexico pod types, or shop at its retail store. The store offers over 100 different varieties of chile pepper seeds as well as books, art, jewelry, hot sauces, and other items. Proceeds support chile pepper research and education at NMSU.

The institute operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Fabián García Science Center located at 113 New Mexico State Road 101. For more information, visit their Instagram or Facebook pages, call 575-646-3028 or email cpi@nmsu.edu.