Ristra facts for kids

Chile ristras ripening from green to red

Ristras of jalapeños, other chili peppers, and garlic at a market in Montreal

A ristra is an arrangement of drying chile pepper pods, garlic bulbs, or other vegetables for later consumption. In addition to its practical use, the ristra has come to be a trademark of decorative design in the state of New Mexico as well as southern Arizona. Typically, large chiles such as New Mexico chiles and Anaheim peppers are used, although any kind of chile may be used.

Garlic can also be arranged into a ristra for drying and curing after the bulbs have matured and the leaves have died away.

Ristras are believed to "bring both good health and good luck to those who hang them at their house."

See also

In Spanish: Ristra para niños