On a visit to the local Vista Farmers Market on Saturday at the North County Regional Center, it was a pleasure to see over 50 vendors at one of the oldest farmers markets in California. The vendors are divided into Farmers and Makers, so there is lots to look at and taste.
I interviewed two vendors, both of whom make products in North County, and each faces a different set of challenges given the difficulties that have arisen for those in the agriculture businesses in the past few months.
According to Mark Wall, director of the Vista Farmers Market, “It has been clear to me for a few years that food scarcity is coming to our neighborhoods. The international food system in fragile. Climate change is making many growing areas shut down. “I do not, as of now, think we will not have food to eat, but the day is coming when we will look back and say, ‘Remember when you could go to the market and buy avocados, strawberries, potatoes.”
A LOCAL INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVE TO MILK
As I walked through the seemingly endless array of innovative local farm products at the Vista Farmers Market, I came upon a display of pastel-colored, pint-size milk bottles, similar to the kind my family would have had in our refrigerator in the 60s. Back in the day, milk was delivered by a milkman, with guaranteed freshness, on a daily basis. These lovely glass bottles are filled, not with dairy milk, but a fairly new product called Mulk.
According to Mulk’s owner, Melissa Finestone: “One day I was daydreaming, wondering what I would drink instead of dairy milk if I was a kiddo in today’s times. So, with my Vitamix and my love of almonds, I decided it was time to switch and create an almond milk rival to dairy!
“Since 2018, Mulk has produced fresh, cold-pressed plant-based milk made from natural ingredients. It contains no additives, binders or preservatives so it must be pre-ordered or purchased at the farmers markets listed on our website.”
The local almond product is made fresh every day and sold at six San Diego farmers markets and by special orders through its website (themulkco.com) with special orders taken on Thursday and delivered to farmers markets on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The fanciful flavors include Chocolate, Strawberry, Lavender, Cold Brew, Golden, Mermaid Matcha and Vanilla. Seasonal favorites produced for the holidays include Pumpkin Pie, Choc-Mint and The Almond Nog.
SOURCING LOCAL ALMONDS
According to Finestone, “We use the sweetest California almonds sourced regionally from the Central Valley. Why would we increase our carbon footprint by importing like other manufacturers when 80% of the world’s supply are grown right here in California.
“Even during these difficult times for farmers, we will try to maintain our prices and never sacrifice quality.”
THE BEST COFFEE IN THE WORLD DELIVERED TO NORTH COUNTY
As I continued down the aisles of the Vista market, I knew I needed a cup of coffee. In a booth next to the Mulk products, I came upon Ruben Enriquez, owner of Origen Coffee Roasters, demonstrating the art of the “pour over.”
This method of making coffee is only accomplished with the specially made glass drip coffee maker that yields only 2 cups per serving. As I tasted the Kenyan roast, I realized I was tasting some of the freshest coffee I had ever had.
According to Ruben, “We are an independent local San Diego nano-roastery dedicated to the craft of roasting responsible-sourced coffees from all over the world. Our product comes from Kenya, Mexico, Bolivia and Ethiopia.”
“Because coffee is not grown in the United States, it must be imported. As a result, our prediction is that all coffee will increase in price 40% to 60% in the next few months.
“This is because transportation, packaging materials, labor and the product itself are costs that have increased since November 2024.”
To taste Origen Coffee Roasters international coffee, visit the café at 2141 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, which is open Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m.- 2 p.m. and is on hand Saturdays at the Vista Farmers Market. Call 760-750-0811 or visit the website at origencoffeeroasters.com to special order the coffee.
Jano Nightingale is a Master Gardener and Horticulturist who teaches vegetable gardening at the Carlsbad Senior Center Community Garden. Contact her at [email protected] for upcoming classes, or call 442-339-2650 to register.
