A Family Business for 70+ Years??

Falsetta Farms

Yes, the Falsetta family has been raising fruits and vegetables, and selling them at farmers markets since the 1930's. His grandfather started with the Lansing City Market when it was located in an empty field across the river from its present location. Yes, where the fire station is.

This was news to me, because when I was growing up in Lansing, my Dad shopped every Saturday of his adult life at the City Market on the east side of the river, and I'd never heard of it ever being located elsewhere. But that's one of the fun parts of the market: I always learn something new. Plus, as I told Tim and Trish Falsetta (pictured in the photo), my Dad undoubtedly bought from Tim's grandfather and father. Small world, right? 

Tim and Trish have been selling flowering plants, in flats and trays and in hanging pots. They had just what I wanted last Saturday: deep purple petunias and bright yellow marigolds. They also were selling Michigan tomatoes, grown in a local greenhouse. While Tim is the market man, his brother, Dave, does the heavy lifting of growing the produce. They will be selling cukes, peppers, corn and tomatoes from their own farm as they ripen. You can see they are two friendly people, and they are just waiting to make you happy, too. So do stop by, and  mention you've read about them in this blog,and that will put a smile on my face, too!

NEWS AND NOTES: Fred, of Fred's Jerky Products, has added a "Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad" to the items he sells. You can get it in a lunch portion or the larger portion for dinner. He makes it fresh daily, and it looks yummy. Also, his "jerky" is NOT what you might think of jerky. He makes strips of chicken and beef, with NO PRESERVATIVES, and it is delicious. He also sells cookies and fudge that his wife makes, and which I can't seem to pass up. You'll find both Fred and the Falsettas in the smaller building.

Also, Ofilias El Burrito has expanded her offerings to include Enchiladas with cheese, chicken and ground beef. She sells wet burritos, tamales and wonderful, satisfying, hand made tortilla chips with several salsas.

  

Finally, some tips for healthy eating from "scraps":

Onion skins can be simmered and the stock used in soups and stews

Carrot tops can be chopped fine and added to salads/cole slaw.

Chard stems can be chopped fine and sauteed with the chard leaves in garlic and olive oil. 

Celery leaves can be  diced and used in salads made of eggs, or sea food.

REMEMBER IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN THE HOLT FARMERS' MARKET!