Sierra Vista Farmers Markets Update for 11-14-2019

The Forbidden Fruit
When you look at the world around you and consider its complexity, would it surprise you to learn that an apple has nearly twice the genes than is found in the human genome? Believe it or not it’s true, an apple has nearly 57,000 genes compared to the roughly 25,000 for a human being. If that’s got you scratching your head, don’t worry it stunned scientists as well. The apple’s incredible genome ranks it as the highest genome of any plant known to date.

The apple – Malus domestic is believed to have originated in mountains of central Asia as the Malus sieversii. Because the apple has open-pollinated seeds, over the centuries it has gathered properties from other related fruit like the crab apple (Malus sylvestris). Today there are more than 7,500 known types (cultivars) of apples. Even though most apple seeds are able to produce plants, nearly all apples trees today are produce asexually by grafting a specific type of apple to a specific root stock to ensure the quality and type of fruit.

Surprisingly with a genome of nearly 57,000 genes you’d be forgiven for assuming that the apple would be highly nutritious. Once again the apple surprises by having a relatively low nutritional value, with most vitamins and minerals at less than 2% of your recommended daily value. The one place that apples do shine, besides the natural wax on their skin, is in the phytochemical department. Apples are a good source of phytochemicals like flavonoids and phenolic compounds. At this time their health value to humans is not well known.  In any case we can always hold out the hope that science will someday discover that old proverb of “an apple a day will keep the doctor away” really did have some truth to it. Then again, maybe not.

On the other hand if ancient mythology is any guide the apple is prized indeed. German Norse mythology considered the apple to have magical properties related to fertility. In Greek mythology the apple was thought to be the “forbidden fruit” – that fruit which bestowed the “knowledge of good and evil” by which mankind might become like god.  Some believe these Greek myths influenced Christian art which often portrays Eve coaxing Adam to partake of an apple.

 Today the apple still retains its iconic mystique as one of the most recognizable symbols of modern technology. Did you know that the original Apple computer logo was a picture of Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree with a single apple hanging precariously over his head? Well, that logo didn’t last long and Steve Jobs changed Apple’s logo the following year to a single apple with a bite taken out of it. Intentional or not, Jobs’ logo of an apple with a bite out of it turned out to be a rather prescient icon for a company in the computing age which one could argue has led mankind’s  search for enlightenment, including our often perilous quest for the knowledge of good and evil.

Apple Festival at the Market This Week
In honor of the apple, the most genetically rich plant available for humans to consume, we are having an Apple Festival this week at the market. This week you’ll find a greater variety of apples at the Sierra Vista Farmers market than you’ll find anywhere else in Cochise County. Edith Beatty with Beatty’s Orchard will have Galarina, Fuji, Querina, Bert’s Special, Chieftain, Ida Red, Winesap, Grannie Smith, Gold Rush, Rome, Mustsu and possibly several more varieties. Backyard Gardening & Growing will have Grannie Smith, Gala, and an autumn apply similar to a Fuji. If you’d like to see how fresh apple cider is made, stop by Backyard Gardening & Growing’s booth and watch an old fashioned apple grinder and cider press in action.

Our food vendors will be celebrating in their own style. Krazy Koyote will have  green apple flavored popcorn, the Simmons Honey Ranchito will have apple butter, Donna with McDonald Farm will have apple hand pies, Michael Simmons with Cluck Cluck Farms will have farm raised turkeys marinated in apple brine, April with Four Kings will be on hand with her Pumpkin Spice granola with Apple, and Sky Island will have their fresh ground Peanut Butter which goes great with fresh apples.

2020 Calendars are Now Available
The 2020 Farmers Market calendars are available for FREE at the market information booth this week. We have limited supplies so be sure to get yours while supplies last.

Vendors Spotlight

Maggie’s Dog Treats – vendor of all natural pet treats
TAG BAGS!!!
Every outside and large dog should wear these. Designed to keep all your pets I D safe and with the dog at all times. Just never take a chance that your dog might get lost. Keeps all I D information right with your pet. A must for service dogs also. Various colors. See these at MAGGIE’S TREATS and ACCESSORIES.

White Cane Salmon
Randy with White Can Salmon will return to the Sierra Vista market this week with their halibut, salmon fillets, smoked salmon in various sized portions.

Dolce Amore
This week Teresa will have her traditional Italian cakes and cookies and hopefully she’ll be bringing Tiramisu and cannoli as well.

Four Kings Granola and Ketoluscious
This week April with Four Kings Kitchen will be back with her healthy choice granola. April will also be carrying Ketoluscious Bakery’s yummy pecan sandies.

Lasagna and More 
Chef Scotty returns this week with his great all natural frozen Italian Take-n-Bakes, including 6 Lasagnas, 2 Baked pastas, 3 Manicotti all made with Chef Scotty’s gourmet sauces. Chef Scotty also has 6 different Burritos and some Gluten free and Vegan products. For about $5 per portion you can feed you and your family quality Italian food. 

Special Announcements and Events

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.

BASA – Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
BASA representatives will be on hand this week showcasing their sun oven. They’ll also have their special cookbooks.

Musical Entertainment This Week:

For your enjoyment music this week will be by Simmons Family Band.

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.  Now you can bring your previously purchased plastic bottles and refill for $1.30 per oz or bring your own clean bottles as well. This week Julee will have pH balanced shampoo bars as well as conditioner bars with green ingredients that are nourishing – and that means no waste and no pollution!

Arevalos Farms – – Vendor Grown – –
Aaron Cardona will NOT be at the market this week.t

Backyard Gardening & Growing – – Vendor Grown – –

Noah Struse will bring onions, apples such as Grannie Smith, Gala, and Autumn apple, sweet potatoes, and Swiss chard.

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

Big Woody’s

Beatty’s Orchard – – Vendor Grown – –
Edith Beatty will be at the market this week with her Miller Canyon apples. Edith will have more than 10 varieties for you to enjoy.

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 brings her special Challah breads as well as sweet breads.

Cluck Cluck Farms – – Vendor Grown – –
Michael Simmons will have his Thanksgiving turkeys this week.

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 microwave plate warmers, grocery bags, tea towels, refashioned clothing such as skirts, tunics, and dresses, denim aprons, men’s aprons, table runners, and special orders.

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 back in the spring of 2020.

Emu Enterprise – – Vendor Grown – –
Roger Taber will NOT be at the market this week.

Four King’s Kitchen
April brings a good assortment of home-made granola to the market, but this week she will have a special Pumpkin granola with apples. each week.

Ginny’s Eclectic Kitchen
Ginny makes fresh sourdough bread for you every week. Look for San Pedro River Valley Salsa at her booth.

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.

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.  —- This week Greenstone will have Christmas Ornaments and native jewelry. 

Hilltop Hydroponics – – Vendor Grown – –
This week Tom has  European cucumbers and Basil plants. 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.

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

 Just-A-Pinch – – Vendor Grown – –
Michael Burgess will be back in the spring of 2020.

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.

Krazy Koytote 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 this week.

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. This week, Zia is featuring a special bag to keep all your pup’s important information safe and close by..

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.

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.

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 – –
 Ruth will be back in January.

San Pedro River Valley Salsa
 You can find Gary’s salsa at Ginny’s Eclectic Kitchen.

San Ysidro Farms – – Vendor Grown – –
 Nathan will NOT be at the market this week, but he’ll return on the 21st.

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 – –

Jack will Not be at the market this week.

Sweet Arizona
Roger and Debra will be bringing a large selection of homemade toffee, brittle and fudge. All their products are always naturally gluten, soy and preservative free. They also have dairy free, vegan and nut free options available. Ask them about their market special.

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.

Toy’s Eggrolls

Tigerlily Boba Tea

White Cane Salmon

Randy will have the freshest salmon of the season this week.Ask him about salmon portions and how his fishing went for the summer.