The Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University has a new home.
For several decades, the institute operated out of Gerald Thomas Hall on NMSU's Las Cruces campus. But recently, it moved into NMSU's Fabián García Science Center, where faculty members and students conduct cutting-edge research on chile peppers and other crops critical 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 operates 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 throughout the 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 the world's only international nonprofit organization dedicated to the research and education related to chile peppers. It is part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Chile researchers at NMSU have continued to build on the groundbreaking research of well-known horticulturists like Fabián García, who began standardizing chile pepper varieties in 1888.
Visitors are welcome to stop by the institute to receive information about chile peppers, especially New Mexico pod types, or shop at its retail store, which sells more than 100 different varieties of chile pepper seeds as well as books, art, jewelry, hot sauces and other items. All proceeds benefit chile pepper research and education at NMSU.
Source: New Mexico State University Newsroom.