Fred Martinez is a familiar vendor at the Espanola Farmers Market. He's president of the market's board of directors and busy during the growing season tending to the family's orchards (Martinez Apple Orchards) located in Dixon, NM. Crops have been grown on the family farm for the last 44 years, and these days he gets help from his son and daughter, wife, grandson and granddaughter.
"I've been doing this all my life," Fred says. "I was born and raised in an apple orchard. My dad passed away eight years ago and I took over the orchard from him." Martinez Apple Orchards has 11 varieties of apples. Apples are available from mid July to the end of October. Eight varieties of peaches go from the first week of June to mid September. And the four varieties of cherries are picked in early June and are available at the market to the end of July.
Fred has been involved with the Espanola Farmers Market since the very beginning and if you visit his booth over the summer, you might also find chiles and vegetables in season. He says he's seen the market grow over the years. "Ofcourse there's been a change in location, many more vendors and a good influx of customers." In 2006 Martinez Apple Orchards was designated Farm Family of the Year. It's a great year for apples. Stop by and see the juicy fruit from many area vendors.
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