Sierra Vista Farmers Markets Update for 12-19-2019

The 7^th Wonder of Barbados – –
On the  island Barbados in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies of the Caribbean a hybrid citrus originated from a cross between the Jamaican sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and the Indonesian pomelo (Citrus maxima). This large sweet & sour citrus tended to fruit in clusters reminiscent of grapes, thus it became commonly known as the grapefruit (Citrus paradise). Oddly, when it was first discovered during the 1700’s  it was nicknamed the ‘forbidden fruit’. 

In 1823, Count Odet Phillippe brought the grapefruit to Safety Harbor Florida. By 2017 the United States was the world’s 2^nd largest grapefruit grower, producing 633,210 tons of grapefruit. Surprisingly, China leads the world in grapefruit production with nearly 4.6 million tons grown in 2017. In any case, Barbados due to its distinction as the source of Citrus paradise, has named the grapefruit one of its seven wonders.

Health Benefits and Side Effects of Grapefruit
For those of you health conscious out there, the Grapefruit is a great source of vitamin C and A. The fruit also contains Potassium, Thiamine, Folate, and Magnesium. Additionally, the grapefruit is a rich source of fiber and at only 52 calories it is low on the glycemic index.

One of the most unusual characteristics of grapefruit is its interaction with prescription drugs. In its flesh and peel the grapefruit contains bergamottin which is a natural furanocoumarin which inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme. This enzyme and others in the P450 family are responsible for metabolizing 90% of prescription drugs on the market today. Without the metabolizing action of CYP3A4, the natural breakdown of the drugs in the human body is inhibited and the drug stays in the body longer and often in too high a concentration. This reaction in the human body can lead to overdoses and related complications. Another side effect of grapefruit is that in some cases it can prevent prescription drug absorption in the intestine which lessens the drug’s desired effect. Grapefruit juice is so potent that just one grapefruit or one glass of its juice can lead to drug overdose toxicity. Medications susceptible to the effects of grapefruit are often so labeled on the bottle.

Please forgive my musings, but I can’t help but wonder why some smart chemist or druggist hasn’t figured out a way to prescribe a lower dose of their drug and a shot of grapefruit juice to go with it. Wouldn’t it be awesome, if someday our next bottle of prescription drugs came with instructions like “take three times a day with a glass of water or once a week with a daily glass of grapefruit juice”? Until that day comes, before you have your next delicious glass of grapefruit juice make sure to carefully read the label on your prescription drug and of course always consult your physician.

This week at the Market
You probably guessed it, but this week at the market we do in fact have the 7^th Wonder of Barbados for your eating pleasure at the booth of Irma Estrada of Estrada Citrus. Just in case you can’t enjoy a juicy grapefruit, Irma also has oranges and tangerines.

Mistic Valley Farms, Hilltop Hydroponics, Arevelos Farms, and Sivonn will have a wide variety of fresh greens like, kale, lettuce, bok choy, Swiss chard, and collards – to name a few. Edith Beatty will be on hand with her wide variety of apples. SAS’Z Nuts will have pistachios. Golden Rule Dairy will have their fresh Jersey milk and cream. Sky Island Brand Meats and San Ysidro will have a variety of chicken, beef, and lamb. The Simmons will have their honey and fresh canned goods. Our bakers will have fresh bread, Greek and Italian pastries, hand pies, fudge, candy, and so much more.

For a full list of all our vendors and the great produce and products they will be bringing please see our newsletter at www.thesierravistafarmersmarkets.com We hope to see you at this week’s farmers market in the Veteran Memorial park between 10am – 2pm.

Zarpara Vineyards – (Courtesy of Rhona and Mark)
Winter is the slow time in both the vineyard and the winery.  The vines have gone to sleep for a few months and require no attention until pruning begins in earnest at the beginning of February.  All the vines must be cut
back to get them ready for bud break in mid to late March. In the winery, the 2019 vintages are in barrel or stainless steel tank, aging until it’s their time for bottling. Our whites and rosé should be ready in 6 to 8 months, but we have to be patient with the reds; at least 18 months for them.

Wines that they are bringing this week:
Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp, dry, citrusy white
Monastrell – Lighter style red
Origen – Smooth red blend
Zinfandel – Full of dark fruits and spice

Artisan Vendor Spotlight

Meet Author Suzanne M. Malpass
Suzanne Malpass comes from East Jordan, Michigan where she lives with her husband for six months out of the year. During the winter months of the year Suzanne and her husband reside in Sierra Vista. Suzanne writes children’s books about amazing true stories that have been shared with her. Each of her feel good books tells the story of an animal friend. The illustrator for her books is the talented watercolor artist, Trish Morgan. Here are several of her most recent stories which take place in Arizona:

• Colorado, the Flying Horse: A True Arizona Story (takes place in Buckeye)
• Bonita Finds a Forever Home: A True Story(involves the Humane Society of Tucson AZ and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson)
• The Cochise County Cat: A True Arizona Tale (takes place in Palominas)
• The One-Week-Old Fawn: A True Story (no distinct setting, anywhere there are white-tailed deer)
• The latest in the series, Stony’s Tale: A True Tombstone Story, tells of a ranch horse that fell down a well. After Miss Patches,the family dog, found him, countless volunteers struggled to save the quarter horse.

Lindsay’s hand bags
All of Lindsay’s Handbags are carefully designed and handcrafted. Her attention to detail and artistic flare assures that every handbag will be of the highest quality, and unique in its own way. Lindsay’s passion for her craft is apparent in the quality of the textiles she selects for her handbags.  Lindsay offers a nice selection of fabric choices, but favors those that have a Southwestern flare. Lindsay’s Handbag’s has its “Roots” in Tucson Arizona.  Most of the fabric choices come from a local favorite shop, “Fabrics That Go”, and the handbags are also sewn, with care, locally. Lindsay believes that “Made in America” is the best brand any product can offer… with Lindsay’s Handbags! (courtesy of Lindsay)

More Artisans and Craft Vendors this Week:

Jim Williams made beautiful picture frames for that special photo!  Some even have AZ turquoise inlay. I crush the turquoise myself. Tired of coats being placed on your entry furniture? I made a nice shelf with many coat hangers. My 30 caliber pen and pencil sets continue to be a favorite Christmas gift. Don’t forget my one-of-a-kind crosses!

Patty & Alice will be in attendance with Hand made crafts by Patty Boyum and Alice Boucher, they bring Aprons, kitchen towels, scrubbies, hand embroidered flour sack dish towels, casserole carriers, small child pillows and doll baby blankets, whimsical pillows,  military pillows, seasonal, and football. Gifts $5 and under! All made with Love and care!

Blue Oak Builders/Sierra Gems will bring wooden pens, hand painted front license plates and turquoise jewelry.

The Greenhouse Trolley Hobby Farm
Debra of tells us about her business: “Our basic vision is to present items grown, harvested, and handmade from what we grow on the farm; “Greenhouse” because I start all my herbs/crops/plants from seed or cuttings in the greenhouse; “Trolley” because we are mobile; “Hobby” because our craft offerings are handmade and designed by us, and “Farm” because that’s where it all happens.  From grapevine wreaths made from our grapevines to my husband’s lamp designs of pipe fittings, herbal bath teas and smudge sticks made with our herbs, handmade napkins with a farm flair, and even hand-painted garden signs,  our variety shouts Country Style!  For this special season, I made tiny western style nativity sets from terra cotta pots! Add to all that my silversmithing in the form of one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, including my specialty — chainmaille bracelets.  I make all the rings by hand and weave them into ancient patterns.”

Additional artisans include, Ray’s Leatherworks, LaFlamme pallet furniture, Desert Owl Forge, Eileen’s Leatherworks and Things, Barb Blanchard, Rita with her windchimes, Brown & Brown Embroidery. You also can pick up flower and herb planters with Scarlet Gilia and Lisa will be on hand with Experience Ancient Sea Salts.

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.

 Sierra Vista Food Co-op
Food Co-op representative will be on hand for children’s book library and information about the Food Co-op.

Musical Entertainment This Week:

For your enjoyment music this week will be by Pat Panther.

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

This Week’s Weather Forecast

This Week’s 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 special for this week: Buy 3 bars of soap, get $ 2 off.

Arevalos Farms – – Vendor Grown – –
Aaron Cardona tells us:Their fresh crop of Arevalos Farm’s dry bean Frijol Mechudo is ready just in time for the holidays!  They’ll have butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and delicious pie pumpkins, as well as some delicious salad greens.  They’ll bring an assortment of their frozen value added products, like their pumpkin puree, hominy, roasted green chile and green chile posole.  They’ll also bring some of Ochoa’s Farm’s chile ristras and their red chile products.  If you’re looking on making your own tamales this holiday season, they’ll be taking orders for their non-gmo masa.

Backyard Gardening & Growing – – Vendor Grown – –

Noah Struse will NOT be at the market this week.

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

Big Woody’s

Travis will NOT be at the market, but Po Boys To Geaux has a wide variety of lunch menu items.

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 warm latkes for the Channuka season. Fresh herb, traditional, and sweet potato varieties. Also, sufganyiot…those ever famous jelly doughnuts. They will bring rich Belgium chocolate gelt for dreidel-buy a pack get a free dreidel!

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

Designs by Copper Canyon
Nancy tells us:To help those last minute shoppers we will be bringing our “Bin of Bargains” This bin contains various items which have had prices lowered for quick sale. It will include cozies, tunics, pillows and much more.  Naturally, we will be bringing our usual array of products.

Dolce Amore
Teresa with Dolce Amore bakes Italian specialties for you. Try her coffee and strawberry tiramisu or canoli.She will also bring Italian cakes, puff pastries, and regular cakes and cookies.

Emu Enterprise – – Vendor Grown – –
Roger Taber says:Pick up the perfect “Stocking Stuffier” for the whole family, Emu Products that are Nutrition for the Skin at a fraction of the cost of the other…  Pure emu oil, Emu Sports and Muscle Rub, and Emu Hand and Body Lotion are products that heal and soften your skin and ease sore and aching muscles.  The perfect way to help fill Santa’s list.

Esperanza
Tamales for the season are available at Esperanza’s booth. Also gluten free tortillas as well as regular tortillas. You can also grab a quick and delicious lunch burrito made right in front of you while you wait.

Four King’s Kitchen
April’s granola will available at Keloluscious booth.

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 organic sourdough bread and herbal teas as well as chicken eggs. You’ll find her in Ginny’s booth at Eclectic Kitchen.

Greenstone Pottery & Crafts
Charlatta and Eric will NOT be at the market this week.

Hilltop Hydroponics – – Vendor Grown – –
This week Tom has living lettuce, spring mix, arugula and large and cherry tomatoes. There will also be sunflower and radish micro greens.  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.

Ketoluscious Bakery
We will be all full of Christmas cheer at the Farmers market.🎄Sandies of course, Almond cookies, Gingerbread cookies (Going to bring some mixed cookie boxes), Kentucky Butter cake, Cheese cake, Pumpkin loaf, Crumb cake muffins, Coconut cream pie, Brownies, Bagels, Bread (I will try to make extra), and Don’t forget APRIL’S GRANOLA.

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

Katerina’s-It’s original Greek Cheese pie, spinach pie, dolmades (vegan), galaktopouriko-cream custard, Apricot pie-pasta flora, Baklava, Greek apple pie, almond butter cookies, Koulonrakia- Greek cookie, Kataifi-shredded Fillo dough with walnuts, cinnamon, and cl
oves, drizzed with honey.

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. 

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. Shelled pecans are also available.She also brings chicken 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. La Pina raw juice is brought to you from Tuscon fresh by Feliz.

Ruth’s Garden – – Vendor Grown – –
 Ruth will be back in January.

 San Ysidro Farms – – Vendor Grown – –
 Nathan will be at the market this week.

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 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.

Thunder Mountain Alpaca RanchCheck
out Lisa’s alpaca boutique for that unique gift made from alpaca fibers.

Toy’s Eggrolls

White Cane Salmon
Randy with White Cane Sockeye Salmon will bring Ling cod (8 oz), smoked sockeye and lox, 8 oz halibut and sockeye portions, sockeye filet in 1.5 to 2 lb. sides, King crab legs, and Burger meat to make fish cakes.

Zarpara Vineyards – (Courtesy of Rona and Mark)
Winter is the slow time in both the vineyard and the winery.  The vines have gone to sleep for a few months and require no attention until pruning begins in earnest at the beginning of February.  All the vines must be cut
back to get them ready for bud break in mid to late March. In the winery, the 2019 vintages are in barrel or stainless steel tank, aging until it’s their time for bottling. Our whites and rosé should be ready in 6 to 8 months, but we have to be patient with the reds; at least 18 months for them.

Wines that we’re bringing this week:
Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp, dry, citrusy white
Monastrell – Lighter style red
Origen – Smooth red blend
Zinfandel – Full of dark fruits and spice