Archive for Get to know our Vendors

From Local Farms to Your Home ~ Follow Us on the Journey

Thursday is the day Rogue Produce makes stops around the valley to pick up orders from your favorite local farms and vendors to deliver to you fresh on Fridays. Follow us in this article through our Thursday journey to learn about the growers and producers in our community that grow and create the products you love to enjoy!

The first stop of the day is the Grower’s Market at Hawthorne Park, in Medford, where we pick up freshly harvested fruits, veggies and herbs from Victory Garden, based out of Rogue River. Victory Garden is one of the first farms every year to provide fresh herbs like oregano, dill, cilantro, and others. They also grow unique crops such as Tokyo cabbage, Chinese celery, sorrel, and other items that you can’t typically get at your local grocery store.

We also stop by Whistling Duck Farm, a long-time grower in the Applegate Valley. The owner, Mary, provides a huge selection of fresh produce, including early spinach and lettuce mixes. Whistling Duck has recently developed new lines of spices, fermented products, and other value-added items created using many of the crops they grow on their farm.

From Local Intergalactic AcresWe stop by Intergalactic Acres, also from the Applegate Valley. Matty is the owner, and he’s a relatively new grower at the Market, being coached by another Applegate Valley grower, Chris Jaggar of Blue Fox Farm. Matty’s produce is impressive, his crops are abundant, and his logo is awesome!

While we’re at the market we also grab bags of herbal teas from Mystic Valley Farm. Mystic valley has tea shop locations in both Rogue River and Grants Pass, which are both drop sites where we deliver to customers in those areas. The Rogue River drop site is active, and you can sign up now for the drop site coming soon in Grants Pass! Mystic Valley’s teas are predominantly sourced from their own farm.

Next, we say hello to Becca of Nymph and Woodsman. Becca and her husband, Seth, create small batch herbal tinctures, salves and other wellness products from plants they wildcraft and cultivate on their own community land in the Little Applegate Valley.

From Local Rise Up! BakeryWe need to get to our next vendor early to avoid long lines, because everyone is looking for a fresh baked loaf of bread from Rise Up! Bakery, also located in the Little Applegate Valley. Rise Up! has a fine selection of sourdough breads and utilizes organic and locally grown ancient grains in some of their recipes.

From Local Joey's Hot SauceOther stops at the market include Louis of Mushrooms All Year, who provides us with a wide selection of fresh mushrooms; Kimbra of Kimbra’s K9 Crunchies sells us gluten free doggie treats; Mama Terra Micro Creamery, makes a wonderful selection of goat chevre; and Joey of Joey’s Hot Sauce creates his own award-winning hot sauces and hot honey.

Indeed, we visit a lot of farmers and producers at the Grower’s Market, but the first thing we do when we arrive is set out our large bins for Community Compost. The Medford Grower’s Market serves as a drop site for residents in the area to drop off household veggie scraps. At the conclusion of the Market, we stop by again to collect the scraps and take them to local farms to be turned into compost or fed to livestock. We provide the same service at the Tuesday Grower’s Market in Ashland.

The market offers us the opportunity every week to meet local growers and hear from them directly about what they’re growing, get our eyes on new crops, and make plans for our upcoming order and delivery cycle. It’s fun work!

After visiting the market in Medford, we head to Ashland to visit Maria and Sara (and crew) at Higher Power Raw Foods to pick up nuts, seeds, trail mixes, granolas, crackers, and other gluten free raw goodies. We then head to Little Shop of Bagels to pick up organic bagels and yummy varieties of cream cheese.

Ashland is also home to Wilderness Poets, where we get our delicious organic nut butters, goji berries (and other superfoods), trail mixes, hemp powder, cacao nibs, matcha, and other amazing products. And, if we need to replenish our stock of organic kraut, we stop by Pickled Planet.

From Local Vida BakingAshland is home to some amazing bakeries we visit on Thursday. Vida Bakery is the creator of two of my personal favorites, Brazilian Carrot Cake and Dark Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. All of Vida’s baked goods are gluten free, and they are famous for their Life Changing Bread, a flourless, hearty loaf with tons of flavor.

Another bakery we visit in Ashland is the Mix Bakeshop. Mix serves Portland’s finest Stumptown Coffee and makes their own ice cream. Mix also bakes two of the most delicious organic bread loaves, the Greek Olive Loaf and their standard Country Loaf.

After finishing pick-ups in Ashland we may stop by Joyluck Farm, in Talent, for a cubic foot bag of compost if we receive any orders for these in a particular week. Joyluck is one of the farms we donate veggie scraps to through our Community Compost program. Aluna, the owner, has worked over the last several years to produce large amounts of rich compost mixing veggie scraps with other materials like horse manure from nearby stables, leaves, and others. And yes, finished compost is another item from local farms that you can purchase at the Rogue Produce Online Farmer’s Market.

From Local Oregon Cheese CaveThe journey continues to Phoenix, where we make a weekly visit to The Oregon Cheese Cave. There is usually a bit of lively conversation with the owner, Melodie, as we pick up our orders of her fine selection of cheeses. The latest additions from Melodie are two of her bestsellers, the Cotswold Double Gloucester and the El Tablao Manchego.

Phoenix is where we visit another fine gluten free bakery, Organicos. One of our best sellers is their gluten free pizza crust, and we also list a variety of their gluten free loaves, hot dog and sandwich buns.

The next stop in the journey takes us a bit further north to Rusted Gate Farm, in Central Point. Here we pick up cuts of grass-fed angus and wagyu beef, including ground, steaks, roasts, briskets, and more.

We conclude the produce foraging journey with a final stop at our storage and bundling location at Fry Family Farm in Medford. We rent space in their walk-in refrigerator, and warehouse space for freezer storage and a bundling area. We unload our orders and confirm the arrival of produce from other vendors that deliver to Fry Farm directly.

Among these vendors that deliver to Fry Farm are Terra Sol Organics, a producer of many varieties of scrumptious microgreens. Cindy Yi, a producer in Grants Pass, delivers Korean Kimchi. Victoria of Yes! Bakery delivers gluten free sourdough breads.

From Local Pennington FarmsWhile one of us is picking up from the local vendors mentioned so far, another makes pick-ups on her way to town from Rogue River. She stops by Pennington Farms in the Applegate Valley for their famous 1 lb. bags of frozen berries grown on their farm. We also stock up on a wide variety of jams that Pennington makes out of their berries.

The next stop is a local company that has gained notoriety across the globe for their high-quality organic cow cheese, the Rogue Creamery. Rogue Produce sells the creamery’s most popular cheddars and blue cheeses, including their award winning, Rogue River Blue.

The final delivery to Fry Farm on Thursday comes from Organically Grown Company, or “OGC.” Based in Eugune, OGC is an organic distributor that supplies us with fresh organic produce that is not available locally, including items such as avocados, citrus, and other produce that isn’t in season in our area (or isn’t grown locally at all).

The produce we receive from OGC is all certified organic, and OGC emphasizes purchasing from small family farms (and as much as possible from the northwest) like the ones we are committed to supporting locally.

Most everything is stocked at Fry Farm on Thursday for our Friday bundling and delivery adventure (gameday), except for what arrives on Friday morning, most notably the fresh baked bread and pastries from Coquette Bakery, located just down the road from Fry Farm in Central Point. In tow with our bread order from Coquette is fresh roasted organic coffee from Hilltop Coffee, a roaster also located in Central Point.

From Local True Love FarmThe other farm I can’t forget to mention is the one my wife, Jennifer, started last year – True Love Farm and Bakery! Jennifer harvests produce, bakes healthy goodies, and prepares her delicious chai blends on Thursdays and we bring them to Fry Farm early on Friday morning for bundling and delivery. However, there’s another stop or two on the way to Fry Farm!

Farm & Flour is a small-batch bake stand in Jacksonville. We’ve spoken with the owner, Melanie, and she’s excited to provide us with her organic Classic Sourdough Loaf. We love to find vendors such as Melanie so that we can offer you the hidden artisan treasures of our region – products you won’t be able to find in stores or even at the grower’s markets. Melanie’s bake stand is on the way from our home to Fry Farm, so we figured we’d put her popular bread on the site!

So that’s one day in the life for Rogue Produce – Thursday, to be exact. Now you can see how we’re able to deliver such a wide variety of local produce to your door on Fridays. It’s a lot of hustle and bustle and coordinating between a lot of busy people, but that’s what it takes to make all these products easily accessible at one convenient location, our Online Farmer’s Market.

You can check out the full list of our products by visiting our Shop Page and read this informative article on the different options you have when shopping at our site. We hope you join us in the fun of supporting local and enjoying the best of what’s around.

Sherry’s Foods ~ Fresh Pesto and Sauces

Get to Know Your Vendors: Sherry’s Foods

One of our goals at Rogue Produce is to support the incredible local vendors and farmers that make our community vibrant and unique. Today, we are excited to spotlight Sherry’s Pasta LLC, soon to be rebranded as Sherry’s Foods LLC. Located in Jacksonville, Oregon, Sherry’s fresh pesto and sauces are a testament to the passion and resilience of its owner, Sherry B Henney.

Sherry's Foods, local wholeslae sauces

Enjoy Sherry’s Pesto and Chimichurri. Click on the image to order today!

Sherry’s venture into artisan foods began in 2009 with a simple mission: to bring the freshest, most flavorful pasta and pestos to the tables of Southern Oregon. Sherry started selling her products wholesale and at our local growers market; she also served on the jury committee, which she loved participating in. However, the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Sherry to pivot her business, leading to the sale of her pasta machine but a renewed focus on her pestos and chimichurri sauce.

Deliciously Crafted Fresh Pesto and Sauces

Sherry’s Foods offers a delicious lineup of pestos and a South American Chimichurri Sauce that will elevate any meal. Each product reflects Sherry’s commitment to quality, from a vegan pesto enriched with hazelnuts and seeds to the sumptuous flavors of roasted cashew and almond pestos. Crafted with local and organic ingredients whenever possible, these sauces freeze well and are versatile enough to enhance a wide array of savory dishes.

Inspiration and Dedication

Discover the delight of Vegan Pesto, a favorite among Rogue Produce customers. Click on the image to place your order TODAY and enjoy!

Sherry’s inspiration is as heartfelt as her products. After a personal battle with breast cancer, the encouragement of her friend Katrina from Katrinas Salsa sparked the idea to commercialize the pesto she had been making for years. With a rich background as a chef, including adventurous stints with tree planting and fire crews in British Columbia, Sherry has always found joy in feeding people. Her diverse experiences as a professional photographer and painter and even working in a commercial peach orchard have all intertwined with her food creations, enriching her offerings with depth and creativity.

“I used to be the chef on tree planting and fire crews in the wilds of British Columbia, lots of great helicopter rides and excitement. I raised my three boys here in the valley; they all still live with lovely grandchildren. I also did cooking spots on the local TV stations and at wineries. Food is always interesting, and there are so many combinations. It took years to become adept at using spices and herbs for the best flavors. I love creating.”  – Sherry

Where to Find Sherry’s Foods

Beyond Rogue Produce, Sherry’s Foods is on the shelves of several local and regional retailers, including Ashland Co-op, Shop n Kart, Market of Choice (spanning from Medford to Portland), Capellas in Eugene, Food for Less, and Medford Co-op, among others. Sherry’s kitchen, located in Jefferson Farm Kitchen in Jacksonville, is the heart from where all her products are lovingly prepared.

Featured Favorites

While we highly recommend all the fresh pesto and sauces, the Chimichurri Sauce is a customer favorite. Perfect as a marinade, sauce, salad dressing, or dipping sauce, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor to their meals.


Winter/Spring Trial Market Membership

Get 4 months membership for only $30
Order weekly from a growing list of products (including Sherry’s Foods fresh pesto & chimichurri) from your favorite local farms and small businesses.
Receive access to weekly sales and have your order delivered directly to your home with no delivery fees!

Sign-up Today!


 

Join us in Celebrating Local Flavors

At Rogue Produce, we believe in the power of community and the value of supporting local farms and businesses. We invite you to join us in celebrating and supporting Sherry’s Foods and, in doing so, strengthening the bonds that make our community truly special.

Let’s continue to nurture these connections, one delicious bite at a time.

ORDER your Sherry’s Sauces today for the next HOME DELIVERY!

 


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Sign up for the Rogue Produce newsletter to stay up-to-date on news from your favorite local farms, bakeries, creameries, artisans, and more!

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Little Shop of Bagels – Best Organic Bagels

30 Years with Little Shop of Bagels – Your Cozy Ashland Bakery

Francesca and Angelina, smiling with a tray of organic bagels and packaged products at Little Shop of Bagels bakery.Not just a bakery but a warm, familiar gathering place for our Rogue Valley community

In 1994, Francesca transformed her passion for baking and an ambitious dream into reality, starting with a mere $85 and an unwavering commitment to quality. Her mission was simple: to craft the best organic bagels. This mission fueled what would blossom into a cherished local institution. Francesca’s small, 120-square-foot venture, affectionately named after its modest beginnings, has grown significantly over the years, yet the heart and soul of the bakery remain unchanged.

From Passion to Bakery

Francesca’s journey was sparked in the early ’90s when the baking landscape was still male-dominated. Balancing jobs and family life, she honed her bagel recipe, then took the leap and opened her bagel shop using organic flour and grains, which, at that time, was not common in the industry.

Today, Francesca continues to handpick the finest organic ingredients, crafting bagels known for their authentic bagel taste, deliciously crispy crust, and chewy interior. Francesca is passionate about organics and farming in sustainable, responsible ways and supporting organic grain and produce growers. Though this family venture has expanded, its core values of quality and community have stood steadfast.

What’s On the Menu?

A freshly prepared organic bagel sandwich with layers of cream cheese, cucumber, and tomato on a woven mat from Little Shop of Bagels.

HIKER and SPROUTED HIKER BAGELS are a favorite of Rogue Produce customers. Click on the image to ORDER TODAY!

Little Shop of Bagels menu includes freshly baked bagels, spreads, sandwiches, and scones. They are committed to organic and natural choices that ensure every baked good, bagel, breakfast, or lunch offering is delicious and wholesome. You are invited to explore the ingredient list on their website, a testament to their dedication to quality and transparency.

Where to Grab the Best Organic Bagels

You can find Little Shop of Bagels, bagels, and scones in local favorites like Rogue Produce, Brother’s Restaurant, Stoneridge Coffee House, and Cafe Soleil (formerly the Vintage in Talent). They’re also on grocery shelves across Ashland and Medford (Shop N Kart, Food 4 Less, Medford and Ashland Food Coop, and Market of Choice) and select spots in Northern California.

The official logo of Little Shop of Bagels, featuring a bagel surrounded by wheat, signifying organic ingredients and establishment in 1994.


Winter/Spring Trial Market Membership

Get 4 months membership for only $30
Order weekly from a growing list of products (including Little Shop of Bagels) from your favorite local farms and small businesses.
Receive access to weekly sales and have your order delivered directly to your home with no delivery fees!

Sign-up Today!


 

Celebrating 30 Years of Organic Freshly Baked Bagels

Close-up view of assorted organic bagels with sesame, poppy seed, and multi-grain toppings from Little Shop of Bagels.

Don’t forget to get your fresh organic bagels. Delicious any time of the day. Click on the image to ORDER TODAY!

from Francesca….
Mark your calendars – July 1, 2024, is Little Shop of Bagels’ 30th Birthday! It’s hard to believe, but we’ve been a vibrant part of the community for thirty years, baking and serving our beloved bagels. Through the years, we’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible individuals, many of whom have grown up with our bagels as a staple in their lives – from childhood, high school, college, and beyond. It’s always a treat to see familiar faces, especially those who now live afar, stopping by to stock up on our bagels, claiming they’ve found none like them in their new locales. And it’s particularly heartwarming to continue to serve our first customers, who’ve been with us from the start!

Stay in touch and celebrate our birthday with us this summer

We will offer many fun things to say THANK YOU for 30 great years together.

We look forward to seeing you soon!
Here’s to enjoying the simple things, sharing great food, and making more memories – one bagel at a time.

**ORDER your BAGELS today for the next HOME DELIVERY!**

 


Are you interested in fresh, farm-to-table news?

Sign up for the Rogue Produce newsletter to stay up-to-date on news from your favorite local farms, bakeries, creameries, artisans, and more!

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Organic Farming and Sustainable Agriculture: Fox and Squirrel Farm

Fox and Squirrel Farm ~ Cultivating Community and Nutrition

Nestled in the picturesque Applegate Valley near Jacksonville, Oregon, Fox and Squirrel Farm, LLC is a testament to small-scale regenerative farming. Jennifer Miller and David Herald established the farm with a sincere dedication to fostering a strong connection between the community and high-quality, organically grown produce.

Jennifer from Fox and Squirrel Farm presenting a selection of organic produce at a local market standThe Inception of a Vision

2023 marked a significant milestone for Fox and Squirrel Farm as they embarked on their first season as market gardeners. Their mission is simple: to provide the community with nutritious, organically grown vegetables and herbs cultivated with purpose and care. Their approach blends a desire to collaborate with other small farms and a steadfast commitment to regional food supply resiliency. This initiative creates a healthier, more sustainable alternative to prevalent macro-agricultural practices.

A Bounty of Organic Delights

The market garden at Fox and Squirrel Farm offers a diverse selection of heirloom vegetables, fragrant herbs, and fruits, including apples and plums. They are also proud to offer Jennifer’s vegan, gluten-free zucchini oat bars, roasted tomatoes, and zucchini noodles. Looking ahead, Fox and Squirrel Farm anticipates an expansion into ready-to-eat foods, emphasizing drying and preserving techniques that maintain maximum nutritional value.


Winter/Spring Trial Market Membership

Get 4 months membership for only $30
Order weekly from a growing list of products from your favorite local farms and small businesses.
Receive access to weekly sales and have your order delivered directly to your home with no delivery fees!

Sign-up Today!


Education and Community InvolvementDiverse varieties of lettuce and leafy greens flourishing in the gardens of Fox and Squirrel Farm

In 2021, David started a group called Rogue GardenShare, an initiative bridging the gap between aspiring gardeners who needed land to grow on and landowners who needed help and inspiration. Jennifer and David’s partnership blossomed from this project, combining Jennifer’s culinary prowess with David’s gardening expertise. Their collaborative spirit and shared passion for growing the best produce possible led to the birth of Fox and Squirrel Farm.

“People become more connected with and passionate about their food when they grow it themselves.” David

Expanding Horizons

With 2 years of experience growing together, Jennifer and David are now expanding their garden threefold by adding more bed space on Jennifer’s land on Sterling Creek Rd. This expansion may eventually include a micro-agricultural educational resource center, offering a unique platform for novices and experts to engage and learn.

Your Voice Matters at Fox and Squirrel Farm

Organic kale freshly harvested by a farmer at Fox and Squirrel Farm, surrounded by lush greenery

Fox and Squirrel Farm’s dedication extends beyond growing delicious and nutritious produce; they strive to cultivate the varieties you most desire. Is there a specific vegetable or herb you’ve been longing to find at your local market but haven’t yet? We invite you to share your preferences with us. Your suggestions are valuable; we’ll ensure they reach Jennifer and David.

Together, let’s shape the future of our market offerings and support our shared vision for a thriving, health-conscious community.

We would love to have your feedback; CLICK HERE to send us a note!

To learn more about Fox and Squirrel Farm and to stay up to date with all their new happenings, follow them on Facebook.

Celebrating sustainable agriculture, Rogue Produce is excited to bring you the seasonal bounty of fresh, organically grown produce straight from Fox and Squirrel Farm fields.


Are you interested in fresh, farm-to-table news?

Sign up for the Rogue Produce newsletter to stay up-to-date on news from your favorite local farms, bakeries, creameries, artisans, and more!

Sign-Up for the Rogue Produce Newsletter Today!