Linda Rosales shows fresh
green chile she has for sale.
Russell Huffman | El Defensor Chieftain

The Reader’s Choice for Best Green Chile goes to a Socorro County legend, the Rosales Farms and Produce, a family-owned and operated business that has been going strong for 53 years.

The Rosales family has kept up with the time while maintaining a tradition of growing award-winning green chile that has been recognized statewide for its great taste and heat levels.

Located at 16 County Road 91 (Exit 152) just off Interstate 25, the Rosales produce stand becomes a hot spot (no pun intended) when the green chile ripens for locals and people who travel for miles to get it. It’s always a mixture of old and new customers who can have their chile roasted on-site, and they have a cornucopia of choices of locally grown vegetables, fruits and nuts.

During the height of the season, three chile roasters are often in operation at the same time, and while customers are waiting, they might even get a chance to get tips from the “Chile Queen” Linda Rosales, who greets customers like they are family.

Rosales is always happy to talk about green chile and the different ways to prepare it and exchange a few recipes she has picked up along the way.

Rosales produce is keeping up with technology and has established an Instagram account to alert its customers when it’s time to get our Reader’s Choice for the Best Green Chile in Socorro County.

Rosales Farms and Produce may be contacted at (575) 835-4043, and you can follow them online at https://www.instagram.com/rosalesfarmspr/

Russell Huffman, El Defensor Chieftain Asst. Editor