The Chile Pepper Institute is the world's only international, non-profit organization dedicated to the research and education related to Capsicum, or chile peppers. Established in 1992, The Chile Pepper Institute builds on the research of chile peppers since the famous horticulturist Fabian Garcia (the father of the New Mexico chile pepper industry) began standardizing chile pepper varieties in 1888.
The Chile Pepper Institute is located on the New Mexico State University main campus in Las Cruces, NM. Visitors are welcome to stop by room 265 on the second floor of Gerald Thomas Hall located near the crossroads of College Ave. and Knox St., west of the Horseshoe and Turtle pond.
Visitors of the Institute can ask questions and obtain resources for information about chile peppers, especially New Mexico pod types. There are over one hundred different varieties of chile pepper seeds in stock and available for purchase, as well books, art, jewelry, hot sauces, and CPI swag.
To make a purchase that supports The Chile Pepper Insitute, please see our online gift shop by clicking on "Visitor Center & Gift Shop" link at the top of this page.
All purchases made directly contribute to the mission of the institute, as well as contribute to the salaries of the student employees gaining real world experience.
