Sierra Vista Farmers Market Vendor Update for 1-27-2022 – –

A day In the Life Of – The Sierra Vista Farmers’ Market

By Uncle Ralph (Ralph Wildermuth) 20 January 2022
The Farmers’ Market will be open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Tasty Treats From Around The World

By Uncle Ralph (Ralph Wildermuth) 26 January 2022

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

Buckle up, as I am going to take you on a boating adventure. We are leaving from here, just go with it for a moment, and heading for parts far away. Just close your eyes and picture yourself on a fishing boat heading northwest. If you are not comfortable on a boat look far out at sea and not close by and you won’t notice the water as much. Pretend that it is July, the month Randy catches all of his fish for the season, and we are heading to Bristol Bay just north of the Alaskan Peninsula by the southwest coast of breathtaking Alaska. We are on a fishing trip for Sockeye Salmon, among others.

Our tour guide today is Randy of Whitecane Sockeye Salmon from right here at our own Market, a fisherman of 45 years, only retiring from fishing about five years ago, in Bristol Bay. Whitecane Sockeye Salmon has been with the market since it was located at the corner of Wilcox and South Carmichael. Every year Randy closes up shop about the beginning of May and travels to Alaska for his yearly catch. The beginning of November, he returns with his collection of goodies: Sockeye Salmon, Halibut, Lingcod, and King Salmon. Along the way he picks up some Alaskan Snow Crab, Dungeness crabs, and a few varieties of shrimp out of Juno.

Bristol Bay is the easternmost arm of the Bering Sea stretching about 250 miles long by about 180 miles wide and is home to the world’s largest salmon run. All five of the Eastern Pacific species spawn in the bay’s freshwater tributaries.

Sockeye salmon, also called red salmon, kokanee salmon (the smaller landlocked salmon), or blueback salmon, are a smaller species of Pacific salmon, measuring only about 18 to 31inches in length and weighing 4 to 15 pounds. Sockeye salmon, being anadromous fish, can live in both fresh and saltwater. Their color is a blue tinged with silver while living in the ocean, hence the name “blueback”. When they return to spawning grounds, their bodies become red and their heads turn green.

Today, Randy tells me, we’ll be taking a side trip to the Kenai River, which flowing out of the western edge of the Chugach Mountains, runs turquoise blue from Kenai Lake through canyons and whitewater till it spills out onto the low elevation woodlands where it finally meets the salt water of Cook Inlet near the town of Kenai, Alaska. This is located on the eastern side of the Alaska Peninsula and a little farther north than Bristol Bay. Randy says the river houses some of the best salmon and the river is renowned for its monster King Salmon. The river is home to around 40 different species of fish and the world record King Salmon. The 82-mile-long river is also home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the state and ends at the Cook Inlet near the Gulf of Alaska.An interesting tidbit of information about Sockeye Salmon is that the striking orange color of the flesh comes from eating plankton and krill while in the ocean.

I encourage you to head on over to Whitecane Sockeye Salmon after our little trip and pick up some delicious salmon and crab for tonight’s dinner, say “Hi” to Randy and let him know how much you liked the tour.

Now that we have the main course for our dinner tonight, let’s head on over to Greece for our dessert. Oh, I forgot to tell you that this was going to be a whirlwind virtual trip around the world as we need to be back in Sierra Vista so Randy can pack up his booth by around 2:00 PM.

We are headed for Greece, the southernmost of the countries of the Balkan Peninsula. Specifically, we are headed to a place that reeks romance and delicious food, Nafplio. It is situated on the Argolic Gulf in the northeast part of the Peloponnese. Greece, overall, is relatively small when compared to the USA. It comparable in size to the state of Alabama. The Peloponnese is a large, mountainous peninsula of land jutting southward into the Mediterranean at the lower end of Greece. It is joined to the rest of Greece by the Isthmus of Corinth. Homer however decided to call the entire peninsula Argos, a Mycenaean city-state and home to the Spartans.

A great part of the land mass of Greece is made up of more than 2,000 islands, of which about only 170 are inhabited and some of the easternmost Aegean islands even lie just a few miles off the Turkish coast.

With its secluded harbor and blue-sea horizons, Nafplio is drenched in beauty and history. Curled around the magnificent Argolic Gulf in the Peloponnese, it’s one of the most romantic places in Greece. A small pebble beach with crystalline waters and tranquil sea views is only a short walk from Nafplio’s old town and sits just below the Palamidi fortress.

Why are we here? Good question. We are on a quest to find a great dessert to go with our salmon and crab dinner for tonight.

The reason I picked Nafplio is not only for its beauty, but I am looking for a little family-owned restaurant by the name of Koustenis. It is located at Konstaninou 16, Nafplio 211 00 Greece, and has the best of both worlds, ice cream and baklava.

We have come to Nafplio in search of traditional Greek Baklava. Before you say it, I know there seems to be an ongoing dispute about its origins. Is it really Greek or is it Turkish? While baklava in some form can be traced all the way back to the 800 BC range, a period where Assyrians were known to layer unleavened flat bread with chopped nuts in between and honey before baking. The version that most of us are familiar with today goes back to the Ottoman Empire during the 15^th century. But we must remember that the Ottoman Empire encompassed Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Romania, Jordan and many more.

So, is it Greek or Turkish, your choice? But Greece is the most famous choice among the masses?

No one can deny that Greek desserts are based on syrup and baklava is no exception. Baklava is made with phyllo sheets, coated with lots of melted butter and filled with a mixture of walnuts (or pistachios), cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar or honey between almost each layer. They say that Athens is the home of the best baklava in Greece, but I like the underdog and that is why we are on the search in Nafplio.

Today, unfortunately, we have struck out. They are out of baklava, so we will have to settle for a quick dish of ice cream and then back on the boat for the trip home. All is not lost though. We can get the baklava right at the Market, home of Katerina’s It’s Original Greek. She has been baking for 40 years and finally brought her delicious delights to our Market three years ago. She carries a wide variety of breads, baked by her cousin up in Phoenix daily, in varieties from Mt. Athos Fire bread, Marble bread, Pecan Cranberry, Ciabatta to San Francisco Sourdough among others. The delicious Greek desserts she keeps for herself. She bakes Ktaifi, Dolmades, Pasta flora, Almond butter cookies, and of course Baklava, plus many more treats. Today we are looking for that sweet syrupy baklava to round out our salmon and crab dinner. Katerina’s baklava is made with walnuts and features olive oil instead of butter and honey instead of sugar. She uses these substitutes in all her delicious baked goods’ recipes.

Don’t forget to stop by Katerina’s It’s Original Greek when you deboard the boat, say “Hi” and pick up some of the best baklava this side of Greece.

Well, we have arrived back safe and sound from our virtual tour of Alaska and Greece. Please stow your tray tables in the upright position and take all your carry-on baggage with you as you disembark the boat. And remember, take care and see you next time!

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 also be 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.       The terminal is working again!!!

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

Music Entertainment: Cowboy Poetry

Order your onion sets at the information booth for early planting in February!

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

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.

Awareness Ranch–Vendor Grown
Bali will be back during the winter season.
Local produce (mint, basil, cucumbers, spinach, lettuce, bok choy) from Tucson area

Backyard Gardening & Growing  – – Vendor Grown –
Struses will back as soon as produce is ready :)!

Beatty’s Orchard – – Vendor Grown –

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

Beatriz’ Dates

Dates from Mesa, Arizona

Cazador Ranch

Donna Henricks aka Lettuce Man’s Daughter

Lettuce mix, chard, kale, parsley

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

Estrada Citrus

Oranges and grapefruit from Mesa, Arizona.

Horton’s Farm  – – Vendor Grown –

Mark and Jessica will be back soon.
Cucumbers, Garlic, onions, Eggplant, chilies, patty pan squash, lettuce mix, radish, zucchini, tatsoi, red Russian kale, and beets.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Just A Pinch – – Vendor Grown –
Michael will be back in the spring of 2022.
(520-234-3254), email (justapinchllc@yahoo.com)

Nat Hutchins Farm

Local and Asian plant. Seasonal produce. Meyer lemons.

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
Burt and Lisa will be back soon.

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

Rocky Creek Ranch
John will NOT be at the market.
Duck, chicken, and quail eggs

San Ysidro Farm – – Vendor Grown – -,
Jackie will NOT be at the market (every first Thursday only) 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 – –

– 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

Baked Goods & Snack Vendors

Designs by Copper Canyon
Jim and Nancy will NOT be at the market this week.
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
Fresh Made Greek Baked Goods and Prepared Food
New: Artisan Greek breads.

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

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

Sweets By Shelly
Shelly will be back this week.
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.

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.

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
Handmade soap.

Nature’s Premium Skin Care
Aloe Vera miracle cream

Prepared Foods & Beverage Vendors

Ascendare-Bean to Bar Chocolate
Kendra will be at the market on the 1st and 4th Thursday.
Handcrafted chocolate

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.

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

Esperanza
Esperanza will NOT be at the market.
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.
NOTE: Esperanza will retire from our market at the end of 2021.

Crazy Coyote Concessions

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

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

Mulcogi and Mila will be absent due to the Gem & Mineral show in Tucson.
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

Sippin
Specialty soda drinks

Specialty Coffee of Colombia- Vendor Brokered

-Fresh Specialty Coffee from Colombian Farms

-SCA Rating of 85 and 83, rich and smooth

-For more information, please email manager.virtualworks@gmail.com

Zumi Juice
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
All Natural Pet Snacks and Treats
For more information please visit one of their links:
480-488-1053
ziabischoff@gmail.com

Services

Hone Ranger

Knife sharpening at the market.

Lindsay

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

 
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

Handmade wooden boxes, tables, coat racks, benches, and wind chimes.

The Humble Daisy

– Local greeting cards made using Arizona photography, local art, and origami.
– Come get your greeting cards here. Personalization available.

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

Artisan Vendors (once a month)

Chalia’s Craft (will be back in the spring)

•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
Wood works such as Lazy Susans, checker boards, and unique writing utensils

Rita Obenauf’s Windchimes
Every 1st Thursday when the weather cools again.
Up-cycle bottle wind chimes
909-957-0368
Insta-gram Lifeabove100

New artisans:

Anna’s Gifts
Buena High School artisans
Leta’s Gallery
Vagabond
Crafts by Kate

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