Sierra Vista Farmers Markets Update for 08-01-19

The Mad Apple – – –
This week I’ve got a garden riddle for you to solve. Can you tell me the name of a plant in the nightshade family that is often grown in vegetable gardens, that produces large purple fruit, is actually by botanical definition a berry but was cultivated in ancient India from the thorn apple?

If you need a hint this “vegetable” is part of the plant species Solanaceae and is known by its scientific name Solanum melongena. In parts of Asia and Africa this unique looking fruit it is known as the brinjal. In the UK and parts of Europe it is called the aubergine.

If you are thinking of the eggplant, then you are correct.

Down through the historical record the eggplant has a rather mysterious past. Its cultivation was first noted in China but thought to originate in India from the Solanum incanum also known as the thorn apple , bitter apple, or bitter tomato. Interestingly, some claim that Solanum incanum is the “hedge of thorns” mentioned in the Biblical books of Proverbs and Hosea.

By the 15^th or 16^th century the eggplant had spread to southern Europe, especially Germany where it was quite enthusiastically cultivated and new varieties developed. As its cultivation spread, so did its rather mysterious aura. It is claimed, that some Europeans considered the eggplant an aphrodisiac and called it the “apple of love”. On the other side of the spectrum it was viewed by some superstitiously and thought to induce madness, hence it was given the name the “mad apple”. 

I can’t help but think that this apple of love or madness was once the food for some aspiring philosopher. My musings aside, it was the Spanish explorers who brought the mad apple to the shores of the New World where it did not receive much notice until respected horticulturalist and President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson brought it wide spread recognition. Speaking of philosophers, Jefferson was not just the President of the United States but on March 3, 1797 was installed as President of the American Philosophical Society (the following day he became the Vice President of the United States.) Jefferson served as president of the APS for the next 18 years.

For those wondering, no, the eggplant does not have any aphrodisiac properties that I could find nor does it produce any sort of madness. Nutritionally though the eggplant has lots of fiber, so it’s good for digestion. Many studies have shown that a sufficient intake of dietary fiber is also important for appetite control and thus contributes to weight control. Eggplant is not an exceptional source of minerals, but it does contain some Calcium, Iron, Copper, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Potassium. On the vitamin side of the nutritional scale eggplant is rich in folic acid, contains some vitamin K and vitamin C. Because of its texture and mild flavor eggplant makes a great substitute for meat in casseroles and other culinary delights.

Interestingly, a 2011 study reported in the International Journal of Clinical Medicine found that eggplant peel contained the extract Solasodine rhamnosyl glycoside which when used topically was an effective treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers.

This week at the Sierra Vista Farmers Market you’ll find the mysterious, vegetable – fruit – I mean berry called the eggplant. We have several types of eggplant at the market including the standard large purple and long slender Japanese. If you’ve never tried an eggplant before and not sure what to do with it, here is a link for 11 Tasty Eggplant Recipes.

$100 Like and Comment – Facebook Contest
Artisan Thursday also means we’ll be having our monthly $100 Farmers Market Tokens giveaway. Our unique wooden tokens can be spent at any of the fine vendors of the Sierra Vista Farmers Markets. So if you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, buy some healthy fruits, or vegetables, or just purchase a unique piece of art for your home, be sure to enter this week’s contest for your chance to win. Entry is free and easy. Just visit our Sierra Vista Farmers Market Facebook page – like our contest page and tell us one thing you like best about Monsoon season in Southern AZ. That’s it.

Then on Thursday at noon at the market we will randomly draw a name from those of you who entered the contest. Remember, you have to claim your prize in person at the market the day of the drawing or you prize will be forfeited and rolled into next week’s contest.

Jolene Coffman won last month’s $100

Artisan Thursday
It is the first market Thursday of this month and that means we’ll be inviting additional artisans to our Thursday market. This week you’ll find all sorts of hand-made and crafted works of art. From paintings, leather work, and cutting boards, to unique handbags and tote bags, wood workings, and furniture for your home.

Artisans to be here this week include Jim William’s woodworks, Sari with painted rocks, Lindsay’s handbags, Blue Oak Builders, Ray’s Leatherworks, Laflamme furniture and bird houses, Barb Blanchard, Eileen with her special leatherwork, and of course Copper Canyon Designs, K-1 Kreations, and Greenstone Jewelry and Pottery. New this week please welcome Farmhouse Finds with their rustic country house items such as wreaths, placemats, centerpieces, just to name a few.

Vendors Spotlight

Beatty’s Orchard
The Sierra Vista Farmers Markets welcomes back Edith from Beatty’s Orchard.  This week Edith will have Early Gold Apples. She tells us that they are great eating apples, excellent for pies, and apple sauce. Their small size is great for children and their thin skin is great for cooking. Edith will also have some Rhubarb, Gravenstein apples and some Blue Plums. For those of you who have been asking about Edith’s Rhubarb now is your chance to stop by and pick some up.

Horton Farms 
This week Cochise County’s own Horton Farms will be bringing Peppers squash, tomatoes, eggplant, turnips, and carrots. Be sure to stop by, say hi and talk to Mark and Jessica about their farm.

Just a Pinch
Michael tells us that “For these hot summer days, mint is especially refreshing when added to all sorts of drinks, from tea to lemonade.  And Just-A-Pinch has ten different kinds of mint for such use.  For a light mint with a citrusy fruity flavor, there is grapefruit mint, a hybrid from apple mint, another variety in the collection of Just-A-Pinch.  Fuzzy, deep green to purple-green leaves, and light purple flowers, grapefruit mint is grown best in afternoon shade and well-draining potting soil.”

Peppermint: Fun Facts from Michael Burgess
A hybrid plant of the mint family, the strong-flavored peppermint herb is most popular in desserts & drinks, though it can also be found on main courses & side dishes in Mediterranean & Middle Eastern cuisines.  An important ingredient in peppermint, menthol, makes an important medicinal additive in sore throats, digestion aides, and even some burns!  Other uses for peppermint include deterrence of mosquitoes, mice, & rats!

Hilltop Hydroponics
Tom Hanson will return this week with his living lettuce, curly endive, large & small tomatoes, spring salad mix, arugula, and sunflower microgreens. Come by and see for yourself some of the most beautiful lettuce and greens at the market.

Maggie’s all Natural Dog Treats and Accessories
This week Zia has all natural PUMPKIN DOG TREATS. They are a great source of fibers and they help with your dog’s digestive regularity. Zia also says they are a good source of vitamin A and C which boost the immune system and zinc and iron for muscle development. 

Pumpkin treats are just one of the 5 choices of all natural dog treats made fresh weekly  at MAGGIE’S DOG TREATS AND ACCESSORIES.   

Bisbee Balm
It’s monsoon season and that means more biting and nibbling insects. This week Frena has her all natural, people friendly, kid safe, horse safe, and house safe insect repellents for you to fight off those nasty bugs. Stop by her booth and ask her about her natural insect repellents.

Four Kings – Golden Ticket Contest
The Golden Ticket contest is still on. They have hidden Golden Tickets in three of their 100 large bags of Batch #50 Granola. If you purchase one these bags of Granola and find a Golden Ticket you’ll win a large (10 oz.) bag of each of their yummy granola flavors. If granola is on your shopping list this week be sure to stop by the Four Kings Kitchen, who knows you just might win enough granola to keep you stocked up for a week or two or keep you in great healthy snacks for that special occasion. Four Kings also has their 10 oz. bags of granola on sale 3 -$40, you save 5$. Welcome to mix and match. 
 

Special Announcements and Events This Week

Produce Safety Alliance Produce Safety Rule – Grower Training Course
For those growers who would like to update their knowledge of produce safety the U of A Cooperative Extension: Department of Agriculture Citrus, Fruit and Vegetable Division is sponsoring a produce safety training course. For more information go to their link (here).

SNAP – Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program
The Sierra Vista Farmers Market now accepts SNAP and Double Up benefits. Just visit our information booth near the center of the market to swipe your cards. Remember you can use them for all produce, dairy products, meats, spices, baked goods, and frozen ready-to eat meals (such as lasagna), plants that produce edibles like tomato plants and herbs. Double Up is only redeemable for Arizona grown fruits and vegetables, though.

Ride Vista Transit to the Market for FREE
Did you know that you can ride Vista Transit from their Coronado/Wilcox station to the farmers market for free each Thursday? That’s right, it’s free. If the traffic is a bit much for you at the market each week you can park your car at the Coronado/Wilcox station and Vista Transit will deliver you safe and sound to the market. With pick up and drop off every half hour, you can do your shopping and get a ride back to your car without any inconvenience. Pick up at the station is on the hour and half hour. At the market pick up is at 15 and 45 after.  Give it a try and be sure to thank your driver and the City of Sierra Vista for their great service.

Musical Entertainment This Week:

Music this week will brought to you by Lorenzo.

We hope to see you all at the Market this week!

This Week’s Weather Forecast

This Weeks Vendors
(Vendors are Alphabetized – attendance at Thursdays market subject to change without notice)

– – Vendor Grown – – Agricultural and Produce Vendors with the – – Vendor Grown – – seal are known to grow at least 85% of the products they sell.
– – Vendor Brokered – – Agricultural and Produce Vendors with the – – Vendor Brokered – – seal do not grow a majority of the produce they sell and are known to purchase  a majority of their products from third parties.

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This section is under construction – thank you for your patience.

Ancestral Herbals
Ancestral Herbals has a new lotion refill station. 

Arevalos Farms – – Vendor Grown – –
Aaron Cardona with Arevalos Farms has a wide variety of seasonal vegetables such as kale, carrots, onions, beets, and canned vegetables.

Backyard Gardening & Growing – – Vendor Grown – –
Zane and Noah Struse will bring onions, eggplant, cucumbers, okra, peppers, yellow and white peaches. Garlic grown by the Garden of Eat’in.

Beatty’s Orchard
Edith has the newest apples and rhubarb.

Bisbee Balms
Frena with Bisbee Balm will have her all natural lemongrass essential oil insect repellent which she has been selling for five years to protect humans and animals from those nasty seasonal insect bites. She’ll also have organic salves for summer issues, insect bites, and stings. All Frena’s products are “kid-safe and friendly”.

Big Skye Baker
Bodie with Big Skye Bakers always has tasty baked goods for you to try.

Big Woody’s

Hot lunch at the market with Sonoran hotdogs, pulled pork, or nachos.

Café Cultiva
 Jesse and Jessica will have fresh brewed coffee by the cup. They will also have fresh roasted whole beans from Guatemala, Colombia, Costa Rica, and India. If you need your beans ground they’ll be happy to do so while you wait. If you have a sweet tooth ask them about their been to bar chocolate.

Celestial Breads
Celeste with Celestial breads makes fresh calzones and Stromboli every week. Try their chicken calzone with Chef Scotty’s garlic sauce or beef calzone with his famous marinara sauce; both have two cheeses added (mozzarella and cheddar).

Desert Oasis Soap
Greg brings a wide variety of soaps to the market every week. Ask him for his favorite scent.

Designs by Copper Canyon
Nancy with Copper Canyon has a great selection of hand made bags, pillows, skirts and tops as well as a wide assortment of hand made home décor items to brighten your home.

Dolce Amore
Teresa with Dolce Amore bakes Italian specialties for you. Try her gluten free cookies, vegan cakes, Italian cakes, puff pastries, and regular cakes and cookies.

Echoing Hope Ranch – – Vendor Grown – –
Echoing Hope Ranch will be bring a variety of produce and greens grown down on the beautiful San Pedro River. If you want to help support a great cause, stop by Echoing Hope’s booth and ask them about how they are changing the lives of children and adults with autism. While you are there pick up one of the their t-shirts and help them get the word out about their mighty efforts to fight autism.

Emu Enterprise – – Vendor Grown – –
Roger Taber provides us with yak meat every week. Try something new for dinner. Also, Roger has several emu products available.

Fizzy Wonders
Have you heard of a lotion bar or moisture bar before? Come and take a look at Vanessa and Miguel’s booth at Fizzy Wonders. The lotion bar consists of all natural mango butter, coco butter, jojoba butter , and beeswax. You can choose from lavender, almond, or honey oat scented bars. 

Four King’s Kitchen
April brings a good assortment of home-made granola to the market each week.

Ginny’s Eclectic Kitchen
Ginny makes fresh sourdough bread for you every week. But it is not only her baking that makes this sourdough so delicious. She has to “feed” her sourdough leavening starter every day to keep it “alive” and healthy. Ginny only uses unbleached, unbromated, unenriched wheat flour, so come and sample her bread or some of her scrumptious sweet treats.

Golden Rule Dairy – – Vendor Grown – –
Remember to pick up your raw milk and cream at Golden Rule Dairy. For those of you who like granola the Stride family makes their own healthy granola. They also offer kefir grains. Oh, and not to leave out Fido, the Stride’s also have a variety of deer antlers which make great dog chews. Must be an acquired taste…

Gracewater Farm
Trudy brings seedlings and other plants each week. You’ll find her in Ginny’s booth at Eclectic Kitchen.

Gray’s Garden of Eat’N – – Vendor Grown – –
Clinton will Not be at the market this week, but you can find his garlic at the BGG booth.

Greenstone Pottery & Crafts
Charlatta and Eric are full-blooded Navajo and proud of their heritage.  Their pride and skill bring you genuine hand made Navajo artisan works that you will not find anywhere else at the market. Winnie was intrigued by their cedar berry necklaces which are made from the seeds found in juniper berries. Those seeds are also used in dream catchers and their pottery. Stop by and ask them to tell you about their fine works of art.  —- This week Greenstone will have Christmas Ornaments and native jewelry. 

Hilltop Hydroponics – – Vendor Grown – –
 For some of the most beautiful lettuce and greens around be sure to stop by Tom Hanson’s booth.  Tom has living lettuce and spring mix available as well as kale. If you ask, Tom will tell you about how he grows his greens hydroponically. 

Hone Ranger
Scott the Hone Ranger will sharpen just about anything you bring to the market.

Horton Farms –– – Vendor Grown – –
Welcome to one of our nest produce grower.  Mark and Jessica with Horton Farmers brings fresh tomatoes, squash, zucchini, beans, and carrots.

Icee Queen

Lynn has a yummy refreshing treat for anybody.

Incredible Snacks
Each week David brings an incredible assortment of dried fruit and nuts.

 Just-A-Pinch – – Vendor Grown – –
Michael Burgess with Just-A-Pinch will have his culinary herbs. Treat yourself this week to fresh mint, and basil. Buy it by the ounce freshly cut at the market or take home a healthy plant. Still available are his Egyptian walking onions.

K-1 Kreations
K-1 owner Kris is one of our regular vendors. Her product line includes aprons, coaster, pot holders, dish rags, table runners, and  tote bags made out of unique fabric patterns. She loves special orders and will customize anything, even cloth pin bags or a grocery bag holder, just ask her.

Ketoluscious Bakery
 Janet will NOT be at the market this week.

Krazy Koyote Kettle Corn & Smoothies

La Pina Raw Juice
If you haven’t been to the market recently, come on by and try Alexa’s incredible raw juices. With only the best ingredients Alexa uses a vertical “slow” juicer which helps keep all of the goodness (enzymes, phytonutrients) alive in her raw juices.  The result is the best tasting raw juice available. Did I say it tastes delicious? My favorite is the Apple – Ginger – Turmeric – Lemon blend. It’s refreshing with a nice tangy bite at the end.

Alexa also has Kangen Water, a filtered/ionized water produced by Enagic – a Japan-based company who has been a leading manufacturer of alkaline ionizers/water filtration for over 40 years. Alexa is happy to give you samples of her juice and water. So make sure you stop by and give it a try.

Lazy KJ Ranch
Stuart with the Lazy KJ Ranch which specializes in “Farm to Table” all natural grass-fed pork.  Stop by their booth and try their outstanding smoked pork ribs, BBQ pork sandwich, white truffle fries with parmesan~romano, double stacked nachos, burritos, and air fried quesadillas. All prepared fresh table side. This week Stuart is offering ribs by the bone along with amazing BBQ pork any way you like it.

Lasagna and More
Chef Scotty will be at the market this week with his mouth watering Lasagna. A consistent favorite at the Sierra Vista Farmers Market, these ready made meals will delight your family for dinner tonight. If you are wondering what the “more” is in Lasagna & More you might also like one of Chef Scotty’s killer burritos. Scottie makes a two meat (beef/pork) burrito as well as a six vegetable vegan burrito.  Just a note, all of Chef Scotty’s burritos are lard free.

Lettuce Man – – Vendor Grown – –

Donna will NOT be at the market.

Maggie’s Dog Treats & Accessories
Zia specializes in all natural treats for your pets that do not contain any chemicals or artificial flavors. Treat your pets right and stop by Zia’s booth. 

McDonald Farm
Scrumptious baked goods are brought to you by Donna. Try lemon bars, cinnamon rolls, scones, hand pies, and the ever favorite seven nut caramel bar. She also brings chicken and duck eggs.

Mustang Mountain Eggs

Mistik Valley Farms – – Vendor Grown – –
Mistik Valley Farms, a group of young growers, who offer home-grown produce such as salad mix, lettuce mix, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and other greens. They harvest the day before market and hand-wash all their greens. Their farm is outside of Bisbee. Come welcome them and check out their produce.

Papa Mike‘s Jerky 
Papa Mike and his much loved beef jerky will be at the market this week. Papa Mike has a flavor for everybody so come and find your favorite. His best selling jerky is mesquite flavored and the chili lemon.

Pappardelles Pasta 
Erin has dozens of artisan pastas made with organic wheat. She also has gluten-free and vegan pasta as well.

Peace, Love, & Smoked Cheese

Mickey is back this week with a new assortment of smoked cheeses.

Queen Ceviche
This week Feliz has more of her spicy red salsa (with oregano) as well as red chipotle salsa. The chipotle has a slight smoky flavor after your first bite. Don’t forget to try her guacamole or of course her royally delicious ceviche- all are available with a bag of fresh tortilla chips. Feliz will quench your thirst this week with her ice cold hibiscus lemonade. If spicing up your life is more your speed then try Feliz’s salsa or guacamole.

Ruth’s Garden – – Vendor Grown – –
This week Ruth will be bringing beautiful tomatoes and squash as well as many varieties of succulents. Many new herbs in small pots, tomato plants, geraniums and betting plants. Ruth’s Garden also carries organic fertilizers to feed those heavy feeders (plants).

San Pedro River Valley Salsa
Gary with San Pedro River VAlley Salsa will be at the market with their great variety of delicious salsa.

San Ysidro Farms – – Vendor Grown – –
If you are looking for quality grass fed beef or lamb for your next meal or special occasion, Nathan Watkins of San Ysidro Farms will be at the market this week. Nathan has a 100% grass fed beef and lamb. Their heritage cross pigs provide their fine pork If that’s not on your menu tonight then you might try their alfalfa fed and non-GMO grain supplemented pork from their heritage cross pigs.  Make sure to ask him about their other fine meat products as well. If a quick bite to eat is more your speed try one of Nathan’s warm (or take home frozen) pasties (pictured).  

SAS-Z Nuts – – Vendor Grown – –
If you’d like to spice up your pistachios a bit, Steve has garlic onion, green chili garlic, chili lime and hot chili in addition to premium salted pistachios.

Sky Island/47 Ranch – – Vendor Grown – –
Ranch owner Dennis Moroney tells us that he will bring their grass fed beef and lamb as well as wild Salmon from Alaska. He and his wife Deb make their own peanut butter from certified organic peanuts. Also, they bring all natural churro sheep wool in a variety of colors (no dye added at all).

Simmons Honey Ranchito 
 Their local mesquite honey is now in season and its the largest crop of the year, its light amber color is beautiful reminder of the wild desert mesquite from which it originates.

Fun Honey Fact: Did you know: Honey is a natural sweetener (sweeter than table sugar) mostly composed of fructose and glucose and about 18% water (the lesser water content the better the quality of the honey). It is rich in antioxidants, fat free, and cholesterol free. Honey is an excellent energy food, so make sure you stash a few honey stix in your hiking backpack, it might just give you that extra edge to make it there and back.

Sivonn’s Garden  – – Vendor Grown – –
Fresh backyard garden produce by Sivonn. Seasonal greens and other produce.

Super Natural Organics – – Vendor Brokered – –

Sweet Arizona
Roger and Debra will NOT be at the market this week.

Tawin’s Gardens and Crafts 
Tawin’s Garden not only brings potted plants and succulents, but she is a whiz with her crochet needle, come check out her cute little cacti and Yodas. They make great souvenirs or gifts for the grandchildren.

Thunder Mountain Alpaca Ranch

Lisa will bring baby and mama alpaca as well as her spinning wheel.

Tortilla Arevaloes aka Esperanza

Hot lunch at the market or take home her much-sought after tortillas, also available gluten free.

Toy’s Eggrolls

Tigerlily Boba Tea

White Cane Salmon
Not here this week.