New Mexico State Question

Red or Green?

Adopted in 1999.

Chile, along with frijoles, was adopted as one of New Mexico's two state vegetables in 1965. Its significance is further evidenced by the adoption in 1999 of an official state question.

Chiles are served green or after they have ripened and turned red, and those who appreciate New Mexico cuisine have definite opinions as to which color they prefer with what dish. The issue is so important that diners are always asked for their preference when they order a meal. "Red or Green?" was adopted as New Mexico's official state question in 1999

New Mexico Legislature

12-3-4. State flower; state bird; state tree; state fish; state animal; state vegetables; state gem; state grass; state fossil; state cookie; state insect; state question; state nickname; state butterfly; state reptile; state amphibian. (2003)

A. The yucca flower is adopted as the official flower of New Mexico.

B. The chaparral bird, commonly called roadrunner, is adopted as the official bird of New Mexico.

C. The nut pine or pinon tree, scientifically known as Pinus edulis, is adopted as the official tree of New Mexico.

D. The native New Mexico cutthroat trout is adopted as the official fish of New Mexico.

E. The native New Mexico black bear is adopted as the official animal of New Mexico.

F. The chile, the Spanish adaptation of the chilli, and the pinto bean, commonly known as the frijol, are adopted as the official vegetables of New Mexico.

G. The turquoise is adopted as the official gem of New Mexico.

H. The blue grama grass, scientifically known as Bouteloua gracillis, is adopted as the official grass of New Mexico.

I. The coelophysis is adopted as the official fossil of New Mexico.

J. The bizcochito is adopted as the official cookie of New Mexico.

K. The tarantula hawk wasp, scientifically known as Pepsis formosa, is adopted as the official insect of New Mexico.

L. "Red or green?" is adopted as the official question of New Mexico.

M. "The Land of Enchantment" is adopted as the official nickname of New Mexico.

N. The Sandia hairstreak is adopted as the official butterfly of New Mexico.

O. The New Mexico whiptail lizard, scientifically known as Cnemidophorus neomexicanus, is adopted as the official reptile of New Mexico.

P. The New Mexico spadefoot toad, scientifically known as Spea multiplicata, is adopted as the official amphibian of New Mexico.

History: Laws 1927, ch. 102, § 1; C.S. 1929, § 129-101; 1941 Comp., § 3-1303; Laws 1949, ch. 142, § 1; 1953 Comp., § 4-14-3; Laws 1955, ch. 245, § 1; 1963, ch. 2, § 1; 1965, ch. 20, § 1; 1967, ch. 51, § 1; 1967, ch. 118, § 1; 1973, ch. 95, § 1; 1981, ch. 123, § 1; 1989, ch. 8, § 1; 1989, ch. 154, § 1; 1999, ch. 266, § 1; 1999, ch. 271, § 1; 2003, ch. 182, § 1.