Official “State Aromas” Are a Thing? What Should New Mexico’s Be?

New Mexico should have an official state aroma, says state Senator Bill Soules of Las Cruces.

The scent he has in mind is “green chiles being roasted” which is… actually a really good pick.

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As New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture, Jeff Witte says the smell of green chile roasting is, “unmistakable” and “unique to our state and brings that feeling of home to people who have moved away.” It’s hard to argue with that!

I didn’t even know official state aromas were a thing. It turns out…they’re not.

A Google search for “official state aroma” and “official state smell” failed to turn up anything EXCEPT the story we’re talking about here.

That’s not to say it’s a bad idea. The first person who said, “What this state need is an official bird” probably got a lot of funny looks.

As I say, roasting green chiles is a really great pick for New Mexico. But, are there any other Land of Enchantment smells that should be considered? Of course, there are, or else I wouldn’t be able to squeeze 250 words out of this article!

1.)    Desert after a rain

Anywhere in the desert smells really great after it’s rained, including El Paso. New Mexico’s is maybe a little extra sweet.

2.)    Speaking of “Sweet”

Marijuana has been recreational in New Mexico for a few months now.

3.)    Not everything is legal, though.

New Mexico has really leaned into its association with what some call “the greatest television show of all time”.  For that reason, “meth lab in a rundown R.V.” should at least be on the ballot.

Have I forgotten anything? Also, what would YOUR home state’s official aroma be? Let me know in the comments!