Where to get a ristras wreath in Albuquerque
apl100214d/ASECTION/ Pierre-Louis/JOURNAL/100214 Cecilia Granados,, left and Cesar Rivera,, hang red chile ristras at Wagner Farms Store in Corrales. Photographed on Thursday October 2, 2014. /Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal
1. Chile Konnection Produce
2. Chile Traditions
3. Farmers Chile Market
4. Sichler Farms
5. The Fruit Basket
It's time for the annual traditional of hanging your ristras wreath, when those bright strings of freshly-harvested red chilies decorate local front doors.
Beyond their decorative allure, these adornments are welcoming symbols thought to bring good luck and health.
Here are five, well-reviewed spots around Albuquerque where you can buy ristras wreaths.
This specialty grocery store offers a wide variety of seasonal and local produce and is known for their friendly customer service, along with an excellent variety of ristras. Customers love their quality and affordability.
Customer review: “We come here every year for our rista wreath. Great rista selection and prices. Chilies fresh roasted outside, fresh salsas and veges inside. Wonderful and welcoming staff.”
Address: 1136 Broadway Blvd. Northeast (505) 242-8601
Hours: Open Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Locally-owned emporium for everything chile, from frozen Hatch chiles and sauce to Southwestern decor. If you’re looking for a ristras wreath, Traditions is known for having excellent ones.
Customer review: “We also purchased a red chile ristra and a ristra wreath as well as a few extra items to send to our son for his Christmas gift. They knew when to ship it to arrive in plenty of time and said it was guaranteed to arrive in top quality. Through no fault of their own, it was delayed several days in travel and ended up thawed and messy. We contacted them and, without question, they shipped a replacement package which is scheduled to arrive today. This type of customer service should be rewarded and they have our business for life!”
Address: 6919 Montgomery Blvd. Northeast (505) 888-3166
Hours: Open Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
With great service and variety, Farmers has been selling ristras for many years. They are known for selling specialty products that people love.
Customer review: “Great products. Fair prices. Beautiful ristras and very friendly service.”
Address: 2010 Eubank Blvd. Northeast (505) 362-3058
Hours: Open 7 days a week 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Sichler family has been farming in the Rio Grande Valley for six generation. Ernest and Edna Sichler became the first to grow green chile, the product that ultimately became the family’s hallmark. Their ristras are known for being beautiful and unique.
Customer review: “The owner was kind enough to sell us two ristras when we were visiting from Houston. She was so kind and funny. She recommended us to come back in the Fall for the festival. We will definitely come back. She was amazing."
Address: 820 San Mateo Blvd. Northeast (505) 255-3338
Hours: Closed Monday - Wednesday, open Thursday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Fruit Basket offers fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables daily. It's an excellent spot for all things chile related. Customer reviews suggest that their ristras wreaths are worth the visit.
Customer review: “A great place to get local products and chili! They've got beautiful wreaths.”
Address: 6343 4th St. Northwest (505) 344-0885
Hours: Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Ristras are hot: 20+ pictures of red chile hanging around