Fire-Roasted Hatch Chilies from Chuck's Chilies at Bath Garden Center

Nothing says late summer in Colorado quite like the smell of roasted Hatch green chilies drifting through the air. Each year, Bath Garden Center's very own Chuck's Chilies roasts the best green chilies in Fort Collins straight from local vegetable vendors for our Northern Colorado community. The chili roasting season has become a beloved local tradition, drawing loyal fans who come for the incredible flavor, unbeatable freshness, and mouthwatering aroma of an authentic Hatch green chili. If you've grown up enjoying roasted chilies or are discovering them for the first time, there's something genuinely special about this seasonal tradition. The experience goes beyond food—it's a celebration of local connection, shared flavors, and the best of what late summer has to offer in Fort Collins.

The Best Fire-roasted Chilies in Fort Collins at Chuck's Chilies

Chuck's Chilies has been a trusted staple at Bath Garden Center for years, and each season, we bring an authentic taste of New Mexico to Northern Colorado. Starting this tradition around 12 years ago, two of our very own Garden Center staff members, Carol and Chuck Hedstrom, built a fire-roaster and started offering fire-roasted hatch chilies right on the property. In memory of Chuck, we have continued this tradition in his honor. There was never a chili pepper too hot for Chuck, and at Bath Garden Center, we offer mild, medium, and hot hatch chilies with the perfect balance of sweetness and heat.

Here at Bath Garden Center, you can pick up freshly roasted Hatch chilies by the bag or bring your own to get them roasted on-site. The roaster turns steadily over an open flame, filling the air with a smoky, irresistible aroma that draws visitors across Fort Collins and beyond. Each batch is roasted to perfection, blackened just enough to peel easily while locking in that signature flavor everyone loves.

People arrive early to stock up, since Hatch chili season is short and demand is always high. Some folks freeze their roasted chilies to enjoy throughout the year, while others can't resist cooking them right away; they are stirred into hearty stews, folded into breakfast burritos, or layered over burgers hot off the grill. If you miss the fire-roasting in action, do not worry! Chuck's fire-roasted chilies are available inside the Garden Center in our designated pepper freezer.

What are Fire Roasted Hatch Green Chilies?

Hatch green chilies come from the Hatch Valley region of southern New Mexico, where the soil and growing conditions are unlike anywhere else. The term "Hatch" doesn't refer to one variety of pepper; it represents several New Mexico chili cultivars grown in that region. These chilies range in heat from mild to extra hot, making them versatile for any recipe or heat preference.

Fire roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth of flavor that sets them apart from any other pepper. During roasting, the skins blister and char beautifully, which makes them easy to peel once cooled. Inside, the tender flesh stays juicy, tangy, and full of that distinctive Hatch flavor that makes them so sought after. Hatch chilies have become a culinary icon throughout the Southwest because they deliver just the right amount of heat while enhancing dishes rather than overwhelming them. Their flavor adds complexity to simple recipes and takes traditional dishes to new levels.

Hatch Chili: Flavor, Versatility, and Health Benefits

The Hatch green chili offers an impressive balance of flavor and flexibility in the kitchen. The mild varieties add a gentle warmth to soups and sauces, while medium and hot versions bring bold spice to tacos, enchiladas, and burgers. They blend beautifully with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and meat, making them a favorite ingredient in Colorado kitchens.

Hatch chili peppers are also packed with valuable nutrients. They're high in vitamin C, low in calories, and contain capsaicin, a natural compound known to boost metabolism and support healthy circulation. Their bright green color indicates the presence of antioxidants that help protect cells and promote overall wellness.

You can roast Hatch chilies yourself at home, but there's something extraordinary about picking them up freshly roasted from Chuck's Chilies at Bath Garden Center. You get the convenience of ready-to-use chilies and a quality and authenticity guarantee. Each bag is filled with hand-selected peppers roasted to perfection, ready for any recipe you can imagine.

Visit Bath Garden Center for Chuck's Chilies

Bath Garden Center proudly hosts Chuck's Chilies yearly for the Hatch chili roasting season. The event typically runs through late summer and early fall, with roasting outside our Garden Center at 2000 E. Prospect Road in Fort Collins.

Roasting days make perfect outings for families, food lovers, and anyone who enjoys authentic local flavor. While here, browse our houseplants, fall flowers, and seasonal produce selection at Poppy's Peach Stand. Our friendly team can help you find gardening supplies or share creative ideas for using Hatch chilies in your favorite recipes. Deliveries of fresh Hatch chilies arrive weekly throughout the season, and roasted batches are available while supplies last. Because demand is consistently high, calling ahead to check availability is always smart. You can reach Bath Garden Center at 970-484-5022 or fill out a contact form.

Come early, bring a cooler if you're stocking up, and participate in one of Fort Collins' favorite summer traditions. Once you've tasted authentic fire-roasted chilies from Chuck's Chilies at Bath Garden Center, you'll understand why so many locals flock to pick up a bag for their green chili recipes.