Month: August 2024

As August breezes by, we’re reminded that summer is quickly coming to an end and our New Mexico season is winding down with only six Saturdays left at the Los Ranchos Growers Market. Time to think about stocking up on our Alaska wild salmon before we’re gone! 

Got plans for August 31st? It’s National Eat Outside Day! Perfect timing to grab our wild-caught Coho or Sockeye salmon for a tasty outdoor meal. Throw it on the grill or pack some smoked fish for a picnic – either way, you’re in for a treat.

While our Alaska salmon is the star of the show, don’t forget about our other goodies. We’ve got grass-fed beef for you red meat lovers, a variety of other wild seafood, green chile pork sausage and pork chops, local raw honey to sweeten things up, and a bunch of other premium foods to round out your meal. It’s the peak of summer so your favorite growers will have a great variety of local veggies and fruit.

Here’s the deal: as we get closer to the end of our season, our variety might start to thin out. So if you’ve been eyeing something, now’s the time to snag it. Our salmon comes in bundles starting at 10 pounds – perfect for filling up your freezer without going overboard.

Want to make sure you get exactly what you’re after? You can pre-order until 6 PM on Fridays for weekend pickup. We take cash, Venmo, Zelle, Apple Pay, and cards – whatever works for you.

You’ll find us at the market every Saturday until the end of September. Don’t miss out on these last few weekends of summer goodness!

Thanks for being part of the Fishhugger family. We’re excited to help you make the most of these final summer days with some seriously good food.

Stay Hooked,

Kenny & Brenna

National Farmers Market Week is a celebration of the vital role farmers markets play in our communities, offering fresh, locally grown produce directly from the farm to our tables. Here in New Mexico’s central Rio Grande Valley, the Los Ranchos Growers Market stands out as a shining example of this tradition. Nestled in the heart of the region, this market brings together a diverse array of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products. Each week, vendors showcase the best of New Mexico’s harvest. On Saturday, you can anticipate finding blackberries, raspberries, apricots, plums, peaches, various melons, a variety of tomatoes, greens, onions, garlic, turnips, radishes, beets, carrots, sprouts/micro greens, eggs, dried fruit, mushrooms, okra, jalapenos, summer squash, squash blossoms, bouquets, lavender and more.

The market not only supports local growers and artisans but also fosters a sense of community, where neighbors can connect and enjoy the abundance of their surroundings. As we celebrate National Farmers Market Week, we honor the hard work of these local producers and encourage everyone to visit the Los Ranchos Growers Market. In addition to your favorite growers, the market features a wide variety of arts and crafts, delicious ready-to-eat foods, and refreshing hot and cold drinks. We also have ample parking nearby and offer a pet-friendly atmosphere—just please keep your pets on a leash. Come experience the rich flavors and vibrant culture of New Mexico’s agricultural heritage and support your local farmers, growers and food producers. If you’re not in the valley, be sure to visit your favorite local farmers market!

Taste the Tradition,

Brenna & Kenny

Mead Day, celebrated on the first Saturday in August, honors one of the world’s oldest alcoholic beverages. Mead, often called “honey wine,” has been enjoyed for thousands of years across cultures from ancient Europe and Asia to Africa. It is made by fermenting honey with water, often with the addition of fruits, spices, grains, or hops, to create a variety of flavors. Historically, mead was associated with myth and ritual, believed to be a drink of the gods, a sentiment that still captures the imagination of enthusiasts today.

Mead is believed to have been both discovered and invented, as its origins are somewhat unclear. Various ancient cultures likely discovered it independently, stumbling upon the natural fermentation of honey mixed with water left exposed to air. Over time, these cultures refined the process, adding ingredients and experimenting to create different mead styles. Thus, while mead might have been initially discovered by chance, its diverse production and variations were developed through intentional innovation.

Mead is often associated with honeymoons, a tradition that dates back to medieval times. Newlyweds were gifted a month’s supply of mead to ensure happiness and fertility, coining the term “honeymoon.” This romantic connection makes mead a delightful choice for celebrating love and new beginnings.

In celebration of Mead Day, we’re offering bulk honey (6+ quarts or a 5-gallon pail) for dedicated mead makers eager to create their own signature brews. We’re also seeking to partner with a local microbrewery in Arizona or New Mexico to produce mead for our community. With our honey, recipes, and brewmeister ready to go, we just need the ideal commercial space to bring our vision to life. If you have any connections or recommendations, we’d greatly appreciate hearing from you!

In addition to our bulk honey offerings, we’re excited to provide personalized mead and honey tastings right at your home. Experience the rich flavors and discover your favorite blends in the comfort of your own space—perfect for an intimate gathering or a special occasion. For details or to schedule, please contact us.

Sip and Savor,

Kenny & Brenna

Kodiak, Alaska, is renowned for its bountiful waters and exceptional seafood, and among its treasures is the delectable black cod, also known as sablefish. This fish is highly sought after not only for its rich, buttery flavor and delicate texture but also for its impressive health benefits. Black cod is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. These healthy fats help reduce inflammation, and support brain function. In addition to omega-3s, black cod is a great source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin D and selenium, which boost the immune system and promote healthy skin and bones.

The culinary appeal of Kodiak black cod is undeniable. Its high oil content gives it a melt-in-your-mouth quality, making it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Whether it’s grilled, roasted, or pan-seared, black cod’s natural richness pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors.

The combination of taste and health benefits makes Kodiak black cod a true gem. It’s a reminder of the pure, natural bounty that Alaska has to offer, providing nourishment and pleasure in every bite. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or new to trying black cod, this fish promises an unforgettable culinary experience that is both indulgent and good for you.

For an easy black cod recipe that showcases its natural flavor, start by marinating the filet in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Let the fish soak in these fresh, zesty flavors for about an hour before roasting it in the oven until the flesh is tender and flaky.

To roast black cod in the oven, follow these guidelines for the best results:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F.

Prepare the Fish: After marinating the black cod, place the filet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil.

Roasting Time: Roast the black cod for about 10 to 12 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the filet. As a general rule, aim for about 10 minutes of cooking time per inch of thickness.

Check for Doneness: The fish is done when it easily flakes with a fork and is opaque throughout.

Finishing Touch: You can finish the fish under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes if you’d like a slightly crispy top, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

This method will ensure your black cod is cooked perfectly, retaining its moisture and buttery texture. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a delicious and healthy meal!

We’ve recently expanded our menu with the addition of delicious new seafood items, including black cod, miso black cod, and smoked black cod, all from the pristine waters of Kodiak, Alaska! Check it Out!

Need another recipe? Try Alaska Black Cod marinated with Honey

Happy Tasting!

Brenna & Kenny