“Red, green, or Christmas?”
The waitress asks my preference.
“Hatch green chiles, please.”
I am lost when I’m
east of the Mississippi.
“What’s a green chile?”
Oh, those green chiles!
Their smokey, roasted goodness
flames my addiction.
© Copyright 2019—Present, Jenise Cook, All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
First Published: 9 October 2019, American Haiku (on Medium.com, RIP)
Image Credit: Amber Avalona on Pixabay.com
The Story Behind this Verse
Why write haiku verse about a plant, about food?
Have you eaten any Southwestern dish featuring New Mexico’s green chiles? Have you had a green chile cheeseburger from Blake’s Lotaburger? Have you dined at either The Shed in Santa Fe or at Sadie’s in Albuquerque? What’s the big deal?
It’s All Good and an Addiction
The big deal is that green chiles from New Mexico are quintessentially American, and our culinary addiction. We are native southern Californians living in north-central Arizona. In both states, Southwestern dishes and cuisine from Mexico have made up the majority of the food we eat.
Then there’s our neighbor to the east and its famous green chiles, especially from Hatch, New Mexico. The soil and water combine to create green chiles that live long in our memories and on our taste buds. We just can’t get enough.
As for you, there’s no requirement to share in our love of green chiles to enjoy this haiku verse.
Chili vs. Chile
Which spelling is the correct one to use for this green wonder? It depends on where you live. For one source, Merriam-Webster online offers guidance.
The spellings are unique to different geographic locations. Chili (plural chilies or chilis) is the standard American English name for the hot pepper as well as the spicy stew, condiment, and spice in which it is a prominent ingredient. On the other hand, in British English, chilli (plural chillies or chillis) is typically used. The spelling chile is of Spanish origin and is common in southwestern areas of the U.S. where that language is frequently used.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a fourth-generation California native living in Arizona. Plus, I have both my B. A. and M. A. degrees in Spanish Language and Literature. Thus, I use the spelling: chiles.
However, I do honor my fellow USA Americans who prefer the spelling chili, and will revise my chile to chili if an editor makes that request. It’s regional. Plus, chili also refers to that wonderful bowl of hot, spicy, beef (usually) stew (with and without beans) that I love to smother with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions.
Think I’ll go to the kitchen, now. I’m feeling hungry.
Your Turn
Let me know in the Comments which chile you prefer: red, green, or “Christmas”! 🙂
Note: When you write a comment, I’ll respond. To view my response, make sure you get notified via email by selecting the checkbox for “Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.”
Thank you for reading. Come along on my adventures.
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