ristra

thumb|Chile ristras hanging to drythumb|right|200px|Ristras of jalapeños, other chili peppers, and garlic at a market in Montreal

A ristra (), also known as a sarta, 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. Chile de arbol, also known as chile pequin in New Mexico, is another common chile variety used in ristra making, particularly when making shapes such as wreaths, hearts, and crosses.