Cooking With Dried Chicos: How To Use This New Mexican Gem

Close-up of dried corn kernels, fresh corn on the cob, and popped corn on a blue wooden table.

If you live outside the Southwest, chances are you’ve never seen a bag of corn chicos in your local grocery store. While they may look just like any other kernel, dried chicos are a true New Mexican specialty. At Loma Vista Products, we’re proud to share this lesser-known heritage ingredient with a wider audience. New Mexico chicos aren’t just dried … Read More

7 Basic Southwest Herbs and Spices to Always Keep on Hand

An overhead view of glass bowls filled with various dried herbs and spices—perfect for building a basic kitchen spices list.

Every great dish starts with a solid foundation, and in most cases, that foundation is a well-stocked spice rack. Having a few essential herbs and spices on hand can change simple recipes into something seriously flavorful. At Loma Vista Products, we believe real flavor starts with real ingredients and seasonings. Our line of dried chiles, whole herbs, and warming spices … Read More

Pequin Pepper Spotlight: Heat, History, and How To Cook With It

Close-up of fresh chile pequin peppers in various stages of ripeness from green, orange, and red attached to leafy stems with a white chile flower, isolated on a white background.

While the chile pequin pepper may be no bigger than a pea typically, don’t let its size fool you. This spicy little chile has been firing up Southwestern kitchens for generations, known for its smoky-fruity flavor and fiery heat. At Loma Vista Products, we specialize in Southwest heritage ingredients that celebrate bold, bright flavors. Our dried chile pequin pepper flakes … Read More

Cooking With Kids? 7 Fun Family Meals to Gently Introduce Spice

Father and two young children cooking together in a bright kitchen capturing the joy of cooking with kids at home.

Cooking with children is an excellent way to introduce them to new flavors and textures. Exploring gentle spice together can spark curiosity, build healthy food habits, and open the door to cultural appreciation and a lifetime of adventurous eating. At Loma Vista Products, we believe the kitchen is where stories, heritage, and flavor are passed down. And when it comes … Read More

How To Pick & Store Dried Peppers: The Beginner’s Flavor Guide

Close-up of assorted dried chiles in a wooden bowl showcasing texture and variety.

Dried chiles are the unsung heroes of Southwestern and Mexican cooking. Whether you’re simmering a rich red chile sauce, spicing up a stew, or blending your own seasoning mix, dried chile peppers bring warm heat and complexity. At Loma Vista Products, we believe in honoring heritage ingredients and the culinary traditions they come from. That means high-quality ingredients and authentic … Read More

Chile Powder Health Benefits: Nutrition, Flavor & Everyday Wellness

Close-up of vibrant red chile powder in a spoon with dried red chiles in the background, showcasing rich texture and bold Southwest spice.

Have you ever been curious about chili powder health benefits? This fiery, flavorful spice isn’t just about heat, it’s packed with nutrients that support heart health, immunity, and metabolism. Whether red or green, chile powder brings more to your meals than flavor alone. At Loma Vista Products, we honor the rich culinary heritage of the Southwest by using the traditional … Read More

Flavor Boosting Techniques: How To Roast, Toast & Bloom Herbs and Spices

Assorted whole spices including cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, dried chiles, and coriander seeds arranged in a skillet on a wooden table—ready for toasting or blooming.

Spices and herbs are the backbone of flavorful cooking, but if you’re just sprinkling them in at the end, you’re missing out. The real magic happens when you bloom spices or toast them first, unlocking flavors that are deeper and more satisfying. At Loma Vista Products, we believe big flavor comes from smart techniques, not shortcuts. We source premium quality … Read More

Why Make Corn Husk Tea? A Traditional Remedy With Southwest Roots

Dried corn husks, whole corn cobs, and fresh herbs arranged with two cups of tea and a brass mortar—an earthy setup for brewing traditional corn husk tea.

Have leftover corn husks from a recipe and wondering what to do with them? Try corn husk tea—a traditional, caffeine-free brew rooted in Southwest heritage. Often overlooked, this mild and comforting herbal drink has been used for generations in folk medicine and Indigenous cooking. At Loma Vista Products, we believe in using every part of heritage ingredients to support sustainability … Read More

Do Spices Go Bad? A Complete Guide to Shelf Life & Storage Tips

A colorful lineup of neatly organized spice jars including cinnamon sticks, dried chiles, and peppercorns used to illustrate spice shelf life and storage tips.

Do spices expire? It’s a common question—especially when you’re staring at an old jar of cinnamon or chile powder and wondering if it’s still good. The truth is, spices don’t “expire” the way milk or meat do, but they do lose their flavor, aroma, and potency over time. At Loma Vista Products, we know great cooking starts with great ingredients, … Read More

Celebrate Blue Atole: Benefits, Recipe & Flavor Profile

Traditional clay mug filled with creamy blue corn atole on a vibrant striped Mexican textile, served alongside tamales for a warm, comforting Southwest meal.

If you’ve never tried blue corn atole, think of it as the perfect blend of tradition and wellness. This ancestral Southwest drink combines antioxidant-rich blue corn with warm spices and a creamy texture that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. At Loma Vista Products, we’re passionate about supporting wellness and tradition through heritage foods. Our premium blue corn products honor … Read More