Vendor of the Month - April 2009
Holtz Farms
Mel and Norm Holtz
Ida, MI
Shed 4
The brothers Mel and Norm Holtz have been selling at Eastern Market since 1968. Their father was also a farmer, and the family has a long history of selling at farmers markets long before their arrival at Eastern Market. Their farm of approximately 60 acres is located in Ida, Michigan - about 10 miles west of Monroe. In late March of this year we visited the Holtz brothers in Eastern Market. Amongst their product offering were 4 types of sweet potatoes, fingerling potatoes, cipollini onions, shallots, garlic, carrots, cabbage, beets, horseradish root, several other varieties of potatoes, and eggs. All of these items were cultivated on their property in Ida.
What's unique about Holtz Farm is the sheer variety of crops they plant. Their strategy is to plant many different crops on a relatively small portion of their total land; about ½-acre on average per item. The brothers are willing to give any crop its fair shake. If something doesn't grow well during its first run, they retool their approach a bit and try it again the following year.
This spring and summer you can expect to see broccoli rabe, 4 beet varieties (white, bulls blood, golden beets, and red ace), 10-12 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, 8-10 types of peppers (mainly of the sweet variety), strawberries, and more. In the fall you will begin to see scorzonera (edible black salsify), 4 types of shallots, cauliflower, cabbage, rutabaga, many types of pumpkins, and parsley root, "if we can get it to grow," Mel says.
In addition to seeing the Holtz brothers it's common to spot Mel's son-in-law Brian on Saturdays at their market stall. They are very knowledgeable about their crops and are happy to answer any questions shoppers may have about their products. But don't assume that because something isn't listed above that they don't have it. When we asked Mel how many different items they planted this year he said plainly, "I don't know."
Customers of the Month - June 2009
Rebecca Deck and Christine Hwang
Rebecca Deck and Christine Hwang come to The Market daily, not only to buy the freshest produce, but also to gain knowledge and support the local community by interning with Eastern Market Corporation. Rather than pursuing the typical New York City or Washington DC internship, these two decided to stay in the state of Michigan in hopes of contributing to the local economy. They were delighted to discover that The Market is so close to the sports arenas and artistic venues. The interns also appreciate the relaxed atmosphere as a vacation from busy city life just minutes away.
"Being the only market of its size, I was drawn to the diversity of the products and the great opportunity for entrepreneurs to sell their unique merchandise," says Rebecca, Business Administration junior at the University of Michigan. Coming from the small rural town of Perry, Michigan, she enjoys buying the fresh produce as a way of supporting community members like those in her hometown. The affordable prices are also too enticing for a college student to pass up.
Both interns would rather purchase their food here as opposed to the typical grocery store. "Eastern Market provides me with an opportunity to both support the Detroit economy, and help the environment by buying foods that have not been shipped around the globe," says Christine, Political Science senior at U of M. Originally from Madison, Alabama, Christine was drawn to and fascinated by the city of Detroit during her visit to the city her freshman year. She hopes to contribute to attracting more members of her generation to the city for both work and leisure with venues like Eastern Market.
In the coming months, Rebecca and Christine hope to spend time beyond their work hours at Eastern Market so they can enjoy its hip and vibrant atmosphere.
Business of the Month - June 2009
Rocky Peanut Company
2489 Russell
Detroit, MI 48207
P: 313.567.6871
www.rockypeanut.com
Three generations of the Russo family make Rocky Peanut Company a staple of Detroit's Eastern Market since 1931. Their longevity is undoubtedly due to their great variety of local goods and commitment to the community.
A sweet aroma of peanuts, candies, and roasted snacks fills the air when you step into the store. If you browse the shelves, you'll discover a variety of local and homemade products from bottles of spices to chocolates.
However, gourmet rarities that can't be found in large chain stores, like their fresh homemade peanut butter, aren't the only thing that makes Rocky Peanut Company unique. They buy all their raw nuts and dried fruits right at harvest to ensure the freshest quality. Their products are then made with Canola oil, which is lower in saturated fat than oils that most roasters use.
The Rocky Peanut Company's store, along with an attached deli, are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come in and join them for an afternoon snack while picking up a few of their fresh Michigan-made products!
