Grower's Spotlight: Macias Farm!

By Kathy Chavez

Mary Macias with her warm smile

For over one hundred years the Macias family has been cultivating some of New Mexico’s most delicious and nutritious produce. Their fruits and vegetables grow under the majestic New Mexico sky in Albuquerque’s North Valley.

My first meeting with them dates back to 1994, on a very early Tuesday morning in the parking lot of the Caravan East. Mary’s warm and friendly smile first attracted me to her stand. Her perfect peaches kept me going back. I also love her quince.

If you haven't seen it, the yellow fruit is a member of the rose family and resembles a hard fleshed apple that can be used in preserves and pies. The Macias' stand also carries onions, garlic, cucumbers, beans and so many other delicious foods. These days you will find Mary and her magnificent family at the Saturday downtown growers market each week. 

The Santo Nino from my kitchen

The whole family works hard to bring us remarkably good food. They also have a family secret--ask them about their talented artist son. My kitchen has been protected by the most adorable Santo Nino for about nineteen years now. The santero artist was a niño himself when he painted the retablo for me and now he is an admirable young man. 

Join us at the growers market and meet the Macias Family along with all the other fabulous local farmers.

Edited by Jasmine McBeath