Yesterday was the annual Farm Tour sponsored by the New Mexico Farmers' Markets. We chose to head north and visit two farms we had not previously seen. The first, located in Velarde, was the Quarter Circle U Berry Farm. Here Bill Ore has planted six different kinds of blackberries for his and others' enjoyment. We picked from the Kiowa canes, the sweetest variety and the prolific, Triple Crowns. I spent this morning making some absolutely luscious Blackberry Preserves.
Kay and Hallie decide where to pick next
Look at this huge berry!
These thorns make it tough to get the best berries
Our next stop was the El Rincon Farm . This is a chemical-free fruit and vegetable farm located in El Rincon de los Trujillo in Chimayo, New Mexico. The farm is owned and operated by the Trujillo family who trace their lineage back to the original settlers of Chimayo. The farm is irrigated by the ancient Acequia de la Canada Ancha, and although the farmlands cultivated by the Trujillo family have been farmed for centuries, the land has only recently been brought back into production. The farm primarily grows the native land-race Chimayo chile, but this year other crops include heirloom fruit trees, squash, corn, tomatoes, peas, garlic, beets, carrots, potatoes, beans, herbs, cucumbers and greens.
This is a beautiful small farm tucked away in the Chimayo Valley. We loved hearing the story of the land and the family who has returned it to farming. Their passion is the preservation of the plants indigenous to this area. This farm and others like them are the Ark of our native cultures.
Ted Trujillo, current patriarch of the clan
Squash Blossom
Kay shows off our chilies
Adan Trujillo roasts our harvest
The Chimayo Chile is one the premier chiles in the world
The mature red chile is dried and then ground into an amazing powder.
Hallie catches a few zzz's after a hard day of picking
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