Family-Friendly Corn Husk DIY Crafts Inspired by Southwest Heritage

Hands painting a small white pumpkin on a fall craft table with leaves, paints, and candles, showcasing typical Thanksgiving crafts.

Ever save the husks after a Thanksgiving feast and wonder what else you could do with them? In the Southwest, corn husk dolls and festive decorations have long been part of seasonal gatherings. They add warmth and meaning to the harvest season. At Loma Vista Products, we honor the deep ties between food, culture, and creativity. Corn has always been … Read More

What Is the Scoville Scale? A Brief FAQ Guide for Pepper Spice

Bowl of bright yellow habanero peppers and red chile de árbol peppers, showing different heat levels on the Scoville heat scale.

Why does one pepper make you sweat, another makes you cry, and a third barely tickles? The answer comes down to the Scoville heat scale. This spicy measurement has ranked peppers for more than 100 years, giving us a way to compare chile heat in numbers and not just in tears. At Loma Vista Products, we celebrate the rich flavors … Read More

How To Cook Red Chile Pods To Use in Sauces, Tamales, and More

Close-up of dried red chile pods on a rustic burlap cloth, showing their deep red color and wrinkled texture, great for making red chile sauces, enchilada sauces, tamales, birria, posole, and more.

Dried red chile pods are these deep red, wrinkled peppers that form the backbone of countless Southwestern and Mexican recipes. From velvety enchilada sauces to the base of a rich stew, they’re a staple in New Mexican kitchens for a good reason. At Loma Vista Products, we believe that the best dishes start with quality ingredients and time-honored methods. Our … Read More

5 Creative Dishes Using Corn Husks (That Aren’t Tamales!)

Grilled whole fish wrapped in corn husks with lemon, herbs, and spices, showing a traditional method of cooking with corn husks.

You can’t make classic tamales without soaking dried corn husks and filling them with steaming-hot masa. But cooking with corn husks doesn’t have to end there. These simple dried corn leaves have been used since ancient times in grilling, steaming, and even brewing methods. At Loma Vista Products, we honor Southwest ingredients and the traditions they carry. Our corn husks … Read More

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