Sierra Vista Farmers Market Vendor Update for 6-3-2021 – –

A Day in the Life Of – The Sierra Vista Farmers’ Market

By Uncle Ralph (Wildermuth) 2 June 2021

It’s that wonderful time again. Tomorrow the Farmers’ Market opens at 10AM and closes at 2 PM.

Have you ever wondered about how many nuts there are in the world? On second thought maybe I should qualify that question a little better. Have you ever wondered how many “tree” nuts there are in the world? Well, I’m glad you asked. You do know that not all nuts grow on trees?

Moving on, Peanuts, for instance, even though known popularly as nuts, are technically legumes not nuts and they grow on plants that you can grow in your garden. Some other nuts, such as hazelnuts grow on shrubs or bushes. Of course, “shrub” has no botanical baring, other than to provide a common way for people to differentiate between a shrub and a tree. Shrubs are more multi-stemmed, woody plants that grow less than 15 feet in height, whereas, “tree” refers to a woody plant with a central trunk and can grow to considerable heights.

Back to my original questions about quantity, globally, the tree nut growing brought in 4.6 million metric tons of nuts. That’s a lot of nuts. We use a lot of nuts in many different ways. I’d like to concentrate on the more popular types of nuts that are out there. I’m talking about almonds, walnuts, pecans, and especially today, pistachios. Here at the Market, we have quite a few vendors who have nuts at their booth in one form or another. Some have baked products containing walnuts, almonds, peanuts, or pecans like Katerina Original Greek, Arizona Sweets brittle, and Farmer’s Daughter with her Cashew Almond Toffee Bars.

Believe it or not, the United-States is the world’s leading producer and exporter of edible tree nuts, the world’s third-largest producer of peanuts, and the leading exporter of peanuts.
Almonds are the nuts grown mostly in the semi-arid regions of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. They are also grown here in California. Pecans are native to the USA, grown mostly in a large part of the Southern and Central United States, they come from a species of the hickory tree.

Walnuts come in two types: the English (also known as Persian) and black walnuts. English walnuts thought to be from mainly the Middle East, but China leads the world production followed by California. Incidentally, as a side note, the Persian walnut is actually a hybrid of two North American long-extinct species around 3.45 million years ago. The walnut must have expanded from America to Europe and then spread to Asia and further expanded in Europe.

I’ll zero in on pistachios in a moment, but I want to mention the benefits of eating nuts in general. We all know that nuts can be eaten raw as a snack and be used to bake in a number of different baked goods from cookies to bread and pies. The healthiest way to eat them, though, is raw first and then toasted second to get the most health bang for the buck. In general, nuts are good sources of fat, fiber and protein. The fat is monounsaturated fat, as well as omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fat. They are packed with a number of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, and vitamin E to boot. They have observed to help reduce risk factors for many chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.

Pistachios are ancient trees originating from Asia Minor (now Turkey), Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and even a little north into the Caucasus regions in southern Russia and Afghanistan. Pistachios are estimated to have been eaten for at least 9000 years, but the earliest evidence is from a dig site at Jerome, near northeastern Iraq, from as early as 6750 BC. Pistachios are one of only two nuts mentioned in the Bible. The other being the almond. It was considered a royal food and it is even said that pistachios were a favorite of the Queen of Sheba, who demanded all her land’s production for herself and her court. Alexander the Great brought pistachios to Greece during his reign from 334 to 323 BC and then the Roman Emperor Tiberius carried them on to Rome in the first century AD. From there they spread rapidly to Italy and then throughout the Mediterranean.

California encountered the pistachio in 1854 when Charles Mason (no relation to John Landis Mason who invented the Mason Jar years later), a seed distributor for experimental plantings, brought the pistachio to this country. Some years later a few small pistachio trees imported from France were planted in Sonoma, California in 1875. The evolution of the U.S. pistachio industry has been one great adventure. From its first commercial crop of 1.5 million pounds (680 tons) in 1976 to the record 2016 crop of over 900 million pounds (408,233 metric tons), it has only been uphill from there. There are only three states in the USA that represent 100 percent of the commercial pistachio production: California (producing 99% of the total), Arizona, and New Mexico.

A few interesting facts about the small, green nut shaped like a peanut, but splits down one side when ripe: World Pistachio Day is February 26^th, they are members of the Anacardiaceae family, which makes them cousins of cashews, the sumacs, and poison ivy, they don’t need bees to pollinate. The wind does it for them. Mangos are also a distant cousin.

“Arizona Grown Pistachios – Greener & Sweeter” can be had just by stopping by Sas-Z Nuts right here at the Market. Steve & Shirley have a 20-acre orchard, nestled in the shadows of the Chiricahua foothills in the Willcox AZ Bench, that is home to some 3,300 Pistachio trees. In a past life, Steve was a civil engineer with a passion for building bridges and wound up in Phoenix working on I-10. Pistachio trees take about seven years to mature and so they planted them in 1995 and then sat back to rest for those seven years waiting for the first harvest time. Steve kept active as he is a Shriner and has spent much of his time & energy away from the trees working for children. Shirley is a realtor by trade, but is cutting back her real estate time to concentrate on their SAS-Z Nut business.

They are proud members of the American Pistachio Association and Steve was even a board member for seven years and is a Past President of the Arizona Pistachio Association. Sas-Z Nuts has been with the Market here, for about eight years now.  Last year he grew a remarkable 150,000 pounds green weight of nuts on just 20 acres of land. He ships domestically on a constant basis. He ensures he has a good supply of the once-a-year crop, by asking the processor that he works with in Bowie, to store 10,00 pounds in reserve for him. His pistachios come in four seasoned flavors and a plain original. He seasons and packages about 20 pounds of a flavor in four and a half hours. So, no special orders of a different flavor are entertained.

We are, that he has chosen, the only farmers market booth he sets up at, although he does do fests and other special events from time to time. Some of these events I am sure comes about due to the fact that all his neighbors are wine growers with tasting rooms surrounding his orchard. Stop by Steve’s booth and pick up a bag or two of his highly nutritious and fresh Arizona grown Pistachios.

The Hone Ranger wants to thank all for the support he has received. It appears he will be back in full business pretty soon.

As always, many of the market vendors accept WIC Farmers Markets & Senior Farmers Markets Vouchers in exchange for fresh fruits and vegetables. SNAP vouchers can be also used at some of the vendors booths. You can use your EBT card at the info booth for SNAP vouchers and Double UP tokens (unlimited amount right now).

We are looking forward to seeing you all at this coming week’s Market. For more information on all our vendors and the products they will be bringing, please see this week’s Farmers’ Market newsletter at www.sierravistafarmersmarkets.com.  Also, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sierravistafarmersmarket/.

Vendor Updates
Please see the vendor listings below with updated vendor information and the products they will be bringing.  Please keep in mind the social distancing while you shop at the market.

Market Hours: Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

SNAP and Double UP food bucks available at the info booth.

NOTE: Pick up free Herald Review newspaper at the info booth.

Music Entertainment: Pat Panther

BASA is a volunteer board non-profit with a mission: “to promote local, sustainable food production, marketing and education in southern Arizona.

Webpage: http://basamesquite.org/
Webblog: http://bajaaz.blogspot.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/125627894978189
Email: brownchristie1@gmail.com

Special this week:

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Southeastern Arizona (NAMI SEAZ) will be at the market on Thursday, May 27, with information about the free mental health services they provide in our community. They will also have info about their upcoming Sky Island Tour Bicycle Ride on October 2. This fun event offers rides choices of 5, 20, 30, 44, and 62 miles, and benefits NAMI SEAZ. Visit skyislandtour.com for more info.

Updated Vendor Listing & Contact Information

– – 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.

Produce & Plant Vendors

Allred Family Fungi – – Vendor Grown –
Oyster mushrooms and other varieties.

Backyard Gardening & Growing  – – Vendor Grown –
Onions are available. Red, white, and yellow. Kohlrabi, beets, and turnips.
Fresh Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables
Herb and flower plants.

Beatty’s Orchard – – Vendor Grown –
Edith will NOT be at the market
For more information please visit one of their links: Website
520-378-2728 or 520-678-9443

Echoing Hope Ranch – – Vendor Grown –
Variety of greens and herbs from their green house.
Kale, radishes, lettuce and more.

Horton’s Farm  – – Vendor Grown –
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Just A Pinch – – Vendor Grown –
They still have fresh-cut herbs available, but due to the pandemic still in effect, they will be limiting what they bring to farmer-selected,
pre-portioned herbs and custom orders made through phone (520-234-3254), email (justapinchllc@yahoo.com),
or in person at the market the week before!  This week’s selection of fresh harvested herbs are Strawberry Mint,
Chocolate Mint, and Italian Oregano for $1.00 per bundle!

The Lettuce Man’s Daughter – – Vendor Grown –
Donna will NOT be at the market this week.
Salad mix, red and green leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, and young bok choi

SAS-Z Nuts – – Vendor Grown –
Locally Grown Pistachios
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Sivonn’s Garden – – Vendor Grown –
Fresh Seasonal Garden Produce such as mushrooms, salad mix, collards.

Tawin’s Gardens and Crafts – – Vendor Grown –

Seasonal Garden Plants

Triple J & R – – Vendor Grown –

“We are a family providing homegrown microgreens and sprouts. We carry a varied selection of microgreens and sprouts grown hydroponically on food safe screens using only pH balanced water and food grade nutrients for microgreen growth. If you don’t see one you like just let us know and we will grow it for you. Email us at triplej&r@arizonaremountstation.net or give us a call at (520) 266-2479. Our Website is arizonaremountstation.net.”

Meat, Milk, & Honey Vendors

Emu Enterprise – – Vendor Grown –

Roger will be at the market every 2nd Thursday.
“With Corvus19 vaccinations be given, it is just around the corner when you have friends over for the weekend barbecue. Now is the time to stop by the Yarlung Cattle Company both and pick up a couple pounds of ground beef that is 95% fat free from YAK fed nothing but alfalfa from birth; avoiding scrub, weeds, and bad grasses.  Take advantage of the special by purchasing 4 pounds at the regular price of $7 a pound and get the 5th pound free.  Yes, a 20% savings, a tremendous deal with meat prices beginning to climb.”

For more information please contact Roger at: 520-585-6148 or email:
circlet@juno.com for orders

Golden Rule Dairy – – Vendor Grown – –
NEW: Homemade butter.
Fresh Raw Milk, Cream, and Dairy Products and their yummy granola.
Golden Rule Dairy Special eggs will be available in July and August.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
Instagram-  golden_rule_dairy
goldenruledairy@gmail.com
www.goldenruledairy.com
520-210-2857

L&B Farm
Burt and Lisa will NOT be at the market this week.
Frozen chicken and lamb, fresh eggs

Papa Mike‘s Jerky 
Locally Made Jerky
For more information please visit one of their links: Website Facebook

San Ysidro Farm – – Vendor Grown – -,
Jackie will  be at the market (every first Thursday) with beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey and frozen pasties.
email jackie.syf@gmail.com
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Sky Island/47 Ranch – – Vendor Grown – –

THIS WEEK: We are taking orders for quarter, half or whole beef. Come stock up on some meat because we will be sold out by this week, and will be forced to take a two weeks break because of our challenges with our processing.
Butcher’s mistakes special!!! $2 off/lbs

– Italian sausage: 3.07# package

– Bratwurst: 1.68# package

– Green Chile cheese bratwurst: 5.65# package

Locally Raised Range fed Criollo Beef, and Navajo Churro Lamb.
All natural, no hormones, no antibiotics, and no grain feeding.
Wild caught sockeye salmon from Naknek Fisheries, Bristol Bay, Alaska.
Apple or Mesquite smoked bacon from Willcox Packing House (uncured bacon, nitrites, and nitrates free), pork chorizo, and pork sausage.
Homemade Cowboy Style Peanut butter (made with slightly-roasted organic peanuts, no salt or sugar added).
YouTube Channel (Ranching in the Right Hemisphere): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrfx3NWeUSGZ7KOnV8XL4tQ

For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook and YouTube

520-507-5203
crossu@vtc.net

Simmons Honey Ranchito 

Our many varieties of local honey will be available in one pound jars up to one gallon jugs.
520-364-2745, no text, no call id
520-368-2039 text welcome
simmonshoney1@powerc.net

The Simmons Family Band will be our music entertainment this week.

Baked Goods & Snack Vendors

Designs by Copper Canyon
New: Gluten-free breads.
Delicious truffles and sweet & savory breads.
Home decor items.
coppercanyonind@gmail.com

Ginny’s Eclectic Kitchen
Chocolate molasses cookies, cheesy sourdough, frozen soups.

Celestial Breads
Fresh Baked Goods and Prepared Foods
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

5 Nut Granola by Better Than Provisions
Better Than Provisions 5 Nut Granola is a nutrient dense, grain-free, sugar-free granola made with a premium 5 nut blend (macadamia, almond, pecan, walnut, and hazelnut) plus organic pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, and spices. It suits a variety of dietary preferences including keto, paleo, vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, dairy-free, and diabetic. Available in 3 flavors.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, facebook

Farmer’s Daughter
Cassandra will NOT be at the market during the hot season, but
for orders call 623-523-7367.
Gluten free baked goods

Incredible Snacks
An Incredible Variety of Snacks
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Katerina’s-It’s Original Greek
Fresh Made Greek Baked Goods and Prepared Food
New: Artisan Greek breads.
For more information please visit one of their links:

McDonald Farm
Baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, pies, and nut bars. Fresh eggs, pecans, beans (black, pinto, 9-bean mix), chicken and duck eggs.
SAS-Z-Nuts pistachios
Leave a message for Dona 520-220-3000

Steph’s Sweets Bakery
Stephanie will be at the market (every 1st Thursday)
Granola, cookies, muffins (all vegan)
Desert Bloom Photography &  Ray’s Leatherworks 520-368-2454

Sweet Arizona
Locally made Toffee, Brittle, & Fudge
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
www.sweetarizona.org
520-312-5351

Sweets By Shelly
Cake pops in a wide variety of flavors, almost too pretty to eat, but oh so yummy.
Toffee and pretzels.
308-708-1680 for special or custom orders.
Shelly will NOT be at the market for the hot summer months.

Personal Health & Household Vendors

Ancestral Herbals
Hand made soap, lotion, balm, muscle rub, etc.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Desert Oasis Soap
Home made Soaps
For more information please visit one of their links:Website, Facebook
desertoasissoap@outlook.com
520-822-5330
desertoasissoaps.com

Nature’s Premium Skin Care
Aloe Vera miracle cream

Prepared Foods & Beverage Vendors

Big Woody’s
Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese, BBQ, and Pulled Pork
For more information & their menu please visit one of their links: Facebook

Bombshell Sweets
Variety of cotton candy

Café Cultiva
Fresh Coffee and Hot Beverages
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
774-316-2328

Cliff’s Salsa
Pickles, and jalapenos and salsa

Esperanza
Pre-order tamales by calling 520-954-7782
New: Pasties
Fresh made Tortillas, Tamales, Baked Goods
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
Esperanza will ship orders.

Crazy Coyote Concessions
Kettle Corn and Smoothies
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
734-430-1996

Mi Burrito
Burritos from the grill with fresh salsa for lunch.

Lazy KJ Ranch
Locally Grown Organic Pork for lunch specials.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Lasagna and More
Complete line of Take-n-Bakes, sauces, Chef Burritos, SW Spice Blend
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Mulcogi

Spices and herb mixes.

Queen Ceviche
Fresh Made Salsa, Ceviche, Hand Sanitizer, and  hibiscus syrup.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-904-4715

Wild Arizona Gardens
Mushrooms, salsa, hummus, tabouli, naan, pesto, honey oat bread, jalapeno cheddar bread, olive oil and rosemary bread, foccacia, and bird seed wreaths

Pet Food & Product Vendors

Maggie’s Dog Treats & Accessories
All Natural Pet Snacks and Treats
For more information please visit one of their links:
480-488-1053
ziabischoff@gmail.com

Services

Hone Ranger
Scott has temporarily lost the ability to sharpen on site, but is still sharpening remotely. Come by the market or call 366-1815.

Lindsay
Handmade fitted masks.
520-546-1058
meyerwill@cox.net

In Stitches
Variety of face masks

 
Artisan Vendors (are back)

Greenstone Pottery & Crafts
Hand Made Pottery, Jewelry, & Crafts
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-537-4859
courage.4life4u@gmail.com
530-539-4859
greenstone.collection@gmail.com

Thunder Mountain Alpaca Ranch
Alpaca boutique of Unique Hand Made Gifts
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
520-249-0362

Bernie & Bill Medley
Paintings, Custom Frames and Woodwork
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.
For more information please visit one of their links:

Promise Farm LLC & Ash’s Amber
Baltic Amber jewelry
Chicken eggs and small plants.

Migrant Shelter Workshop Carpentry
Furniture from their introductory carpentry school and bird feeders

Sue’s Closet
Tie-dye and painted clothing (hats, silk scarves, shawls, blouses)

Rita Obenauf’s Windchimes
Every 1st Thursday
Up-cycle bottle wind chimes
909-957-0368
Insta-gram Lifeabove100

Inner G Cells
Handmade orgonite item (includes jewelry)

Quails Qrafts
Tie-dye clothing (onesies, t-shirts, masks, scrunchies, pants)

Patty’s Painted Horse Creations
Beaded keychains

Artisan Vendors (soon to return)

Jim Williams Woodworks

Checkerboards and many new lazy Susans,  one of a kind, all sizes of cutting boards, pens, pencils, fountain pens!  Key rings, toaster tongs, oven rack pulls.  By a special request, I have started making urns and jewelry boxes.

520-393-6608
weloveaz2@gmail.com

Blue Oak Builders and Sierra Vista Gems
New batch of bolt action pens made with Mexican blue oak. Cheri has made more of her color changing beads and hand painted front license plates.
520-508-1958

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