Got Bison?

Last Sunday I headed to the Montrose Harvest Market with a brand new, giant size market tote. The colorful bag, which was flat and empty, became a happy bag when filled to the brim with farm fresh fruits and veggies. On this trip, the herbs captured my heart. There were giant fragrant bundles of just picked dill, rue, chamomile, mint, two tone rosemary and more for only $1 to $1.50 a bundle. I bought one of each at a total cost of $6 and had enough to make two arrangements in pitchers plus stock for the fridge! This is something that you cannot find in your average grocery store and, if you did, it would cost a small fortune.

Market Manager Mark Sheridan is always on the lookout for a new vendor or two to spice things up. Did you know we are now selling bison in our market? And not just any old bison, mind you, but primo cuts. When you go to the market this Sunday, look for Gold Coast Bison. You will find owner Chris Silver there along with his nice son and a whole selection of the freshest meats anywhere. GCB is an affiliate of Diamond Mountain Ranch, a 500-acre ranch located in Greenville, Calif. where bison are the primary animals raised. They also raise Angus cattle, Heritage hogs, Heritage turkeys, chickens, and rabbits. And that’s not all – they have an additional ranch just for sheep. All of the animals are grass-fed and raised as naturally as possible using no antibiotics, hormones, or steroids. Check out their website at www.goldcoastbison.com.

We are in prime strawberry harvest and you will find several varieties in abundance along with giant blackberries. You can bet some cartons of these made it into my bag and I can attest they are sweet and delicious. This is also the time to find spring asparagus, artichokes and greens. There is always a cycle of what’s in season and what’s on its way out. Mark says watch for new crops of almond and orange honey. McCanne African violets will be returning in May. If you like Medjool dates, you better get them now.

So do enjoy our beautiful, outdoor harvest market and all the one of a kind shops, cafes, and salons the Montrose Shopping Park has to offer. Watch for pictures of this market adventure on the Montrose Shopping Park Facebook page.

Thanks for reading!

  Mary Dawson