Growing for 37 Seasons in Northern Colorado

2012 Dates: Saturdays, May 19 to October 27

Time: 8 a.m. to noon

Location: 200 W. Oak Street, Old Town Fort Collins

More info: http://www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.org/

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Vendor Profile: Ela Family Farms

By: Garth Bontrager, Master Gardener

Note: Ela Family Farms will be starting sales at the LCFM in mid-July.

Apples. That alone is enough to start a conversation with just about anyone. There are books dedicated to the subject. Bananas, umm, just don’t have the same connotation. Apples grow all over the United States, and many of us remember apple trees from our childhood. Descriptions of apple varieties read like the J. Peterman catalog. Now what about peaches, plums and cherries? I’m sure you’ve conjured up some memories of contented eating.

Ela Family Farms owned and operated by several generations of the Ela family will indulge your apple interest and your peach, plum and cherry interest too. They offer fruits and fruit products from their orchards in Hotchkiss, Colorado each Saturday, starting July 16, at the Larimer County Farmer’s Market. “We only sell what we grow,” says Steve Ela because that way they control the whole show. And what a show it is: fruit jams, butters, sauces, nectars and ciders. The fresh fruit is the highlight, however. All fruit is picked at the peak of ripeness, which is why you won’t see peaches in early July. Flavor gives Ela the competitive advantage over internationally distributed fruits.

Steve personally walks the field sampling fruit to tell when it’s ready to harvest. Ela grows over 50 varieties of fruit, and each year they introduce another variety to their markets. This year Steve suggests you try the Swiss Gourmet apple. Some folks think its tart, others sweet, but all agree that you can’t beat a fresh picked apple ripened on the tree. Ela has been servicing markets for 11 years, and the LCFM for at least eight years. They selectively continue to hold booth at the LCFM because it’s such a great market.

Steve really appreciates how people have educated themselves on their food supply. And Ela’s customers can really appreciate that the Ela product is certified organic, family owned and operated, and of high quality. That, says Steve, really sets Ela Family Farms apart. They feel a responsibility to their customer to put quality first; quality means staying local, staying organic and keeping with the family tradition of growing and selling what they consider to be the best fruit and fruit products available. The LCFM is very proud to be one of six markets in the state to host Ela Family Farms.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Opening Day June 25!

The Larimer County Farmers' Market opens Saturday, June 25 and has vendors that will help you get fresh on Saturdays!

If you're new to the area, or a long-time patron, we welcome you! Grab your reuseable grocery bags and get ready to shop. The produce gets better throughout the season, but this Saturday you're sure to see lettuce, kale and other cool-season crops, along with meats, cheese, milk and eggs.

The LCFM was awarded a "Discover You Can" grant from the Ball Corporation. Throughout the season the Master Food Safety Advisors will have several give-aways. In addition, Marc Vargas, Larimer County Master Gardener, has donated two sets of his Buzz Bee notecards to give-away each market day--just stop at the Master Gardener booth. Visit his shop at Esty: http://www.etsy.com/people/EBHGreetings

Stop by and say "hello" and bring your best gardening questions! We look forward to seeing you. And if you run short on cash, don't forget to bring your credit, debit or Colorado Quest card, where you can purchase Market Bucks or SNAP benefit coupons.