Ask The Desert Sun: Artichoke fields, long-lost barbecue sauce, and what produce is in season?
Q: Two years ago, there was a retailer at the street market at College of the Desert selling a great local barbecue sauce. We looked for him and could not find him there this year. What is the brand name and where may it be purchased?
— Ken Singer
A: According to College of the Desert Street Fair records, the elusive barbecue sauce in question appears to be BG's Gourmet BBQ Sauce. Street Fair Manager Jennifer Manzi directed The Desert Sun to the company’s website, www.bggourmetbbqsauce.com, for further information.
The company did not respond to multiple Desert Sun inquiries, but they appear to have been based in Washington state for at least the last five years according to social media activity. (Reader Ken Singer confirmed that this was indeed the barbeque sauce he had purchased at the COD Street Fair two years ago, suggesting that the sauce was likely an import from the Pacific Northwest rather than a locally-made product.)
The company has an online store and appears to ship the sauce to most locations around the country.
— James B. Cutchin, business reporter
Q: Can you find out what crops are grown locally by season and when they might be purchased at local farmers markets? A listing of farmers markets would be helpful also.
– Jeannie Avelar
A: The valley has quite a few farmers markets from Palm Springs to Coachella, all operating on different days. Joshua Tree also offers a farmers market if you want to take a quick day trip.
I asked Megan Goehring, general manager of Certified Farmers' Market of the Coachella Valley (certifiedfarmersmarkets.org), which produce made the bestseller list during each season.
"That's a big question because there's so much produce available at the CFM's throughout the year," said Goehring. "But I'll try to give you a snapshot. One thing to keep in mind ... is that the majority of produce available throughout the US is grown in California. Because our climate is more or less temperate, we can grow almost anything all year long in varying microclimates in the state. That being said, we still have certain times of the year when produce varieties are at their peak."
Goehring said that from December through February, we can expect to see citrus fruit (oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes, grapefruit), leafy greens (kale, chard, lettuce), cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), winter strawberries, avocados and snap peas.
March through May, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, baby greens, hydroponic (desert) tomatoes, cherries, onions and beets are favored. June through August, cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes, berries, grapes, stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines), melons and summer squash are the biggest sellers. September through November, expect to see winter squash (including pumpkins), pomegranates, persimmons, apples, pears, dates, potatoes and garlic.
Carrots, romaine lettuce and eggs are bestsellers year-round.
Goehring noted that this is an elementary list, and people should visit to see what our local farmers have to offer. The Coachella Valley Certified Farmers' Market has locations in Palm Springs, Palm Desert and La Quinta. These locations all hold state and county certificates guaranteeing that what you buy is grown on their California farm.
Check out these Coachella Valley markets:
The Coachella Valley Farmers Market - Indoor Location (June to September)
Where: 401 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs (inside the Palm Springs Pavilion)
When: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays
The Coachella Valley Farmers Markets - Outdoor Location (Open from October to May)
Where: 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs (in the Camelot Theaters’ parking lot)
When: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays
Desert Edge Farmers Market
Where: 70-200 Dillon Road, Desert Hot Springs
When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Farmer in the Dale's Outdoor Market
Where: Sky Valley Resort, 74-711 Dillon Road, Sky Valley
When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday
Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers Market
Where: The River at Rancho Mirage, 71-800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays
Palm Desert Farmers Market
Where: 72-559 Highway 111, Palm Desert
When: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Indian Wells Certified Farmers Market
Where: 74-895 Highway 111, Indian Wells
When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays from October-May
La Quinta Farmers Market
Where: 78-100 Main St., La Quinta (in Old Town off Calle Tampico)
When: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sundays
Temalpakh Farm Market
Where: 1 Roberta Way, Coachella
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
— Kevin Mann, intern
Q: Yesterday my husband and I were driving by the Walmart close to Jackson (Street). The fields of artichokes are just beautiful. But what is planted at the end of every row and what is the purpose. Looks like wheat or corn?
— Judy Eschete
A: According to Jeff Percy, vice president at major Coachella Valley artichoke grower Ocean Mist Farms, the plant observed by Eschete is Sudan grass. The plant, as its name suggests, is native to east Africa and is sometimes grown as livestock feed. The young plants are often confused with corn.
In the case of Coachella Valley artichoke fields, Percy said the Sudan grass’ main purpose is to serve as a wind break. As anyone who has been caught in high-velocity desert winds can imagine, being left unprotected in an open field is an unpleasant experience for humans and plants alike.
— James B. Cutchin, business reporter
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This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Ask The Desert Sun: What produce is in season?
