Where To Buy Ristras In Santa Fe

Ristras are the strings of chile you see hanging along fences, on patios and on portals all over New Mexico. In the Fall, you can buy ristras at farmer's markets and roadside stands. Ristras are sometimes used for decoration, and are said to bring good health and good luck.

They are hand-tied and made from Sandia hot sun-dried New Mexico chile. Ristras originate from native people who strung up their chile to dry for later use. They have become a "welcome" symbol meaning "Mi casa es su case" which translates to "My house is your house."

Pull off a pod or two to spice up your soups, stews, beans or spaghetti sauces.

When you visit Santa Fe in the fall, I recommend getting your fresh ristras from Oscars on Cerillos or from Rodolfo Herrera with Ristras Herrera and Landscaping! He is always parked outside of Tesuque Village Market almost daily!!