Sierra Vista Farmers Market Vendor Update for 8-4-2022 – –

Welcome to the Sierra Vista Farmers Market Update for August 4, 2022

Hurrah, For Pattypan Squash?

By Uncle Ralph (Ralph Wildermuth) 3 August 2022

The Farmers’ Market will be open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

I have it from the highest, that Pattypan Squash (also known as “Scallop Squash”) is in season and available at the Market.

For those of you not familiar with the name, you might be familiar with the shape. They are not oblong like most squash, but resemble flattened balls with scalloped edges or for the more “UFO” inclined, like scalloped flying saucers. They may be white, green, yellow, or even bi-colored. The Cucurbita pepo or Cymlings (Pattypan squash) hail from the Cucurbitaceae or gourd family of vegetables and are closely related to other summer squash varieties such as zucchini, crookneck squash, or cocozelle (think striped Italian zucchini variety). Pattypan squash being a cousin to the zucchini, and when harvested young enough, the two seem to be interchangeable in terms of inner flesh texture and use in recipes. However, as the pattypan’s get older the skin sometimes gets tougher. Where the zucchini can always be eaten, skin and all, that might not be true for the pattypan.The squash originated among the Native North Americans of Central America, probably in Mexico and they have been in the North American diet for centuries. The heirloom variety “White Scallop” has been dated to the Northeastern Indians in 1591. Records discovered from the early colonists show that it was one of the best tasting and yielding squashes.

Thomas Jefferson said they were “one of our finest and most innocent vegetables”.  They were frequently grown in his retirement garden as well as in the gardens of Monticello’s enslaved African Americans, and were used in soups and stews with butter, salt, and pepper.
If you have a hankering to try to grow pattypans yourself wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 65 degrees. These are summer squash and the prime season for them is right now, July to September. They are usually planted in hills or clusters in full sun with rich, well-draining soil.

The hills should be 2 to 3 feet apart. Space the plants around 10 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows. Give your plants plenty of room to grow. Although pattypan squash is a bush variety, it still needs good air circulation between plants. They are fairly sturdy and won’t need any support system.

Keep the plants well-watered with 1 inch of water a week (including rain). If they get too dry, pattypan’s will drop their flowers and fruits.

Pattypans come in several varieties such as the ‘Pattison panache’. It is a pale green French heirloom that is best picked young. There is also the ‘Flying saucer’ which has fruit with green centers with a ring of yellow. The fruits are dense with a nutty flavor. Or maybe you would prefer the ‘Sunburst’ a former All-America Selection. The fruits are bright yellow and very tender, especially when picked early.

There is also a light green meaty fruit version called the ‘Peter Pan’. A dark green speckled skin variety called ‘Scallopini’ is similar to a zucchini, with a sweet, nutty flavor. Finally, there is butter-yellow fruit hybrid variety that is especially flavorful called the ‘Sunny Delight’. It is also one of the fastest growing requiring only about 45 days to harvest time.

Most varieties require anywhere from 45 to 70 days, but the fruit can be picked when they are about 2 inches in diameter. Look for the 2-to-4-inch diameter to ensure tenderness. Check the fruit daily as they can reach harvest size within four days of flowering. It’s advisable to wear gloves when harvesting if your hands are sensitive.

If you are into planting in pots, Pattypan squash is fairly compact when it grows, and even more so if placed in a pot.

It needs to be a big pot, 10 to 12 inches in diameter and 10 inches deep. Fill it with a well-draining soil mixture. Water the same as for outdoors, 1 inch a week. Although most summer squash grows long vines, pattypan squash is a smaller, bush-type plant that doesn’t need as much space to grow. As a bonus, Pattypan is one of the only summer squashes that can grow indoors in a pot as long as you have space for a large container and direct sunshine.

Now that you have grown them, what do you do with them?

Well, three simple ways to prepare them is Sautéing, Roasting, or Grilling.

Unlike large zucchinis that tend to be watery and have large seeds, pattypans are smaller and generally more flavorful.

Cut the top and bottom to remove any bits of stem and to give the squash a flat edge to sit on. Cut the squash into ¾ inch wedges. Sauté them using generous amount of olive oil, then cook the squashes over medium-high heat until the cut sides are browned in spots, which takes about 3 minutes per side. Resist the urge to stir or move the squashes around until they’re browned.

Roasting is the easiest method by tossing the cut squashes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them on a pre-heated baking sheet in a hot oven until the bottoms are browned, which takes 15 to 20 minutes. Do not turn them over as this will just turn them into a soggy, overcooked mess.

Since it is summertime and therefore a favorite pass-time, is grilling outdoors. Add this squash to the meal by grilling this cutup, oiled and seasoned to taste, pattypan’s until they get nice grill marks, which takes about 3 minutes per side.

Additionally, if you want, Pattypan squash can be cooked whole, then split open and stuffed with a mixture of its own fruit mixed with fresh cheese or ground meat, herbs, and shallots.

If you have any squash leftovers, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to about 4 days.

Looking for pattypans at the Market, you might want to checkout Horton’s Farm as I heard from a good source that they have “tons” of them at their booth. Don’t forget to check out the other produce vendors (Echoing Hope Ranch, Ruth’s Garden, and Just A Pinch) at the Market as they may have some too. Don’t forget to ask some of the vendors about how they prepare their pattypans.
Also, we will welcome Stonehaven Farm from St David with sweet corn and tamale corn this week.

Enjoy the wonderful rain and watch out for running washes!

Take care and see you at the Market! Until next time.

Ripen Pears Off The Tree (Reprinted from the Herald/Review)

By John Chapman

Do not wait for pears to ripen on the tree – they won’t ripen properly – they will be ruined. Other fruits such as apples, apricots, peaches and plums get sweeter as they ripen on the tree. Pears must be picked in a mature but still green state and ripened off the tree for that delicious pear flavor.

Unlike other fruits, most pear varieties do not ripen with good quality while still on the tree. Pears that are allowed to ripen on the tree develop a coarse, mealy texture.

Mature pears usually will detach when “tilted” to a horizontal position and then a slight twist, from their usual vertical hanging position.

Bartlett pears will ripen in 3-6 days, at room temperature, whereas Anjou, Bosc and Comice (pronounced ko-MEESE) pears need to be placed in a closed paper bag for 4-7 days with a ripe banana or apple to ripen properly. Ripe apples and bananas give off a gas called ethylene that triggers and hastens the ripening process in unripe pears.

Incidentally, bananas are also picked in a green state placed in boxes under a plastic sleeve and gassed with ethylene to ripen. I have seen a pallet of bananas that were not ethylene gassed and the whole pallet of bananas just turned gray instead of ripening.

Check your pears daily for ripeness by applying gentle pressure to the neck or stem-end of the pear with your thumb. If the pear yields to pressure, it’s ready to eat.

Avoid refrigerating pears until they’re ripe. Putting unripe pears in the refrigerator before they’re actually ripe can slow their ability to ripen. Wait until your pear is soft to place it in the fridge to save the pears for a few more days.

John Chapman was, garden teacher on radio, TV and garden columnist in Phoenix, AZ media for years and practices what he preaches. He now lives in Southern, AZ   Questions; john@johnchapman.com

Vendor Updates
Please see the vendor listings below with updated vendor information and the products they will be bringing.

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

Sweet and tamale corn at the market this week!

Music Entertainment: Joe Miceli

 

 

 

 

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/
Weblog: http://bajaaz.blogspot.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/125627894978189
Email: brownchristie1@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

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 –

Phillip will be back this week.!

Oyster mushrooms and other varieties.

Backyard Gardening & Growing  – – Vendor Grown –

Beefsteak tomatoes and cherry tomatoes.
Figs, peaches, gala apples, and plums
Red, white, and yellow onions, red and golden beets, cucumbers, eggplant, zucchini and yellow squash, okra, fresh basil.

Beatty’s Orchard – – Vendor Grown –

Edith will be back next season.
520-378-2728 or 520-678-9443

Cazador Ranch

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

 

Horton’s Farm  – – Vendor Grown –

Mark and Jessica are back!
Garlic, onions, patty pan squash, yellow zucchini, carrots, turnips, lettuce, green onions, red Russian kale, and beets.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Little Red Hen Farm– – Vendor Grown –

Anna apples, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, flower bouquets.

Pink Lady apples and peaches coming on August 4.

Nat Hutchins
Local and Asian plant. Seasonal produce. Fresh chicken eggs.

Ravina Arizona   – Vendor Grown –

Our mission at Ravina Arizona is to cultivate an abundance of high quality, flavorful nutrition to share with our local community. Our microgreens are grown from organic seeds in nutrient rich soil with clean water from our Sulphur Springs Valley well. We’re currently growing sunflowers, broccoli, peas, radishes, and mustard microgreens. You can learn more about our farm at www.ravinaarizona.com and pre-order your microgreens by texting (520) 276-3997.

 

Ruth’s Hens & Garden– Vendor Grown –

Summer fruit is here. We are picking the last of our peaches this week. Our Gala tree has produced a very large yield of beautiful crisp, organic apples. We are currently picking this week. The pear tree will ripen in 2 weeks. They are ugly but wonderful to eat. The garden is yielding tasty cukes and string beans. This week I will offer the last of my Texas Sweets onions.

Hope to see you at the market.

 

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, Egg & Honey Vendors

Golden Rule Dairy – – Vendor Grown – –
NEW: Raw butter and Ghee.
Golden Rule Dairy Special: Their very own chicken eggs!
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

Lisa and Burt will be at the market on the 3rd Thursday of the month.

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

Rocky Creek Ranch

Duck, chicken, and quail eggs

San Ysidro Farm – – Vendor Grown – -,
Jackie/Nathan will be at the market (first and third 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 – –

Dennis will NOT be at the market on August 4, 2022

– 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, nitrite, and nitrate 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

 

Whitecane Sockeye Salmon

Alaskan caught sockeye salmon, king salmon, halibut, ling cod, shrimp, snowcrab, Bairdi crab, Dungenese crab.

Randy will be back in November 2022.

 

Baked Goods & Snack Vendors

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

Ginny’s Eclectic Kitchen
Crumb coffee cake, oatmeal sandwich cookies, sourdough, and another fun bread.
Instagram is @ginnyseclectickitchen

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

Katerina’s-It’s Original Greek
Kathy and Jim will be back in October.

Fresh Made Greek Baked Goods and Prepared Food
New: Artisan Greek breads.

McDonald Farm
Dona is back!
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

Mystic Eatz
Baked goods such as quick breads, cinnamon roll muffins, and seasonal pies.

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

Wild Arizona Gardens
The bread selection will include na’an, green chili and cheddar bread, 5 seed bread, honey oat bread and rye bread. Also on the menu will be apple pie and strawberry rhubarb crisp. If you would like to have some held for you, please text 520-508-2494. Look for Kathleen’s baked goods at Tombstone Coffee, North end of the market next to Sky Island Brand.

 

Personal Health & Household Vendors

Ancestral Herbals (Arizona Soap Company)

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

Chloe’s Creations
All-natural hand-made soaps and lotions.

Soaps for every skin type from dry to oily, to sensitive. She uses only essential oils to scent her products (lavender, peppermint, cedarwood) with all natural coloring.
No dyes, no fragrances, no phthalates, no sulfates, no parabens.
Custom made batches at a discount.

Nature’s Premium Skin Care
Aloe Vera miracle cream

Wolf Den Soap

Handmade soap 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.

 

 

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 and new hot cocoa mix and hot cocoa by the cup.
Fresh squeezed lemonade and Italian sodas.
New location on south end next to Copper Canyon Designs.

 

Café Cultiva

Whole bean or ground coffee by the pound.
Fresh Coffee and Hot Beverages.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
774-316-2328

Cannonball Teas

Boba tea and other beverages

Crazy Coyote Concessions

Kettle Corn and Smoothies
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-904-2327
kettlekornaz@gmail.com

Julie & Sammie’s

Variety of ice creams, novelty candies, and more.

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

Sivonn’s Asian Cuisine

Lo Mein, fried rice, steamed buns, eggrolls, spring rolls, glass noodles

Tombstone Coffee

Specialty coffee drinks, hot and cold on the go.
Kathleen’s Wild Arizona Garden bakery goods available as well.

Zumi Juice
Chris will NOT be at the market.
Come quench your thirst with a delicious, fresh, raw, cold juice made to order at our bright orange tent.  All of our juices are made from fruit to cup with no additives, just pure goodness.  Fresh Limeade is always served.

 

Pet Food & Product Vendors

Maggie’s Dog Treats & Accessories/Blue Collar Dog Treats
All Natural Pet Snacks and Treats

Services

Hone Ranger

Knife sharpening at the market.

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

Bannuar Trading & Sporting Goods

Handcrafted jewelry and cut antlers for dog chews, Meyer lemons

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:

Doug Merrill

Doug and Patty will be back in the cooler season.
Handmade wooden boxes, tables, coat racks, benches, and wind chimes.

The Humble Daisy

Pam will be at the market on the first Thursday of the month.
– Local greeting cards made using Arizona photography, local art, and origami.
– Come get your greeting cards here. Personalization available.
-wire wrapped stones
-Spend time at Pam’s beading table

Sierra Vista Gems
Gerry and Gary will be back in July or August.
New batch of blue oak and mesquite pens.
Cheri’s front license plates.

Suzy Bingham
Framed paintings.

 

Artisan Vendors (once a month)

 

Chalia’s Craft

•Crochet earrings

•Crochet & Macramé Plant Hangers

•Crochet bags and baskets

•Wall Decor

•Pillow Shams (seasonal item)

•Throw Blankets (seasonal item)

Shop: chaliascraft.Etsy.com

Instagram: @chalias_craft

Jim Williams
Jim will be back in the fall.
Wood works such as Lazy Susans, checker boards, and unique writing utensils

 

Rincon Valley Artisans

Ray & Diane will be at the market on the first and 3rd Thursday.

New artisans:

Desert Owl Forge
Richard Mann -woodworkings
Dust & Sky-paintings
Blue Bear Trading
Tombstone Pottery (7-21-2022)

 

 

 

 

 

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