Shake the Hand That Feeds You: Farmer's Markets
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
Release Date: 09/08/2024
Exploring Arizona's Flourishing Grain Chain with Jeff Zimmerman and Don Guerra
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
Exploring Arizona's Flourishing Grain Chain: The Desert Harvest Podcast In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, the hosts discuss Arizona's local grain economy, focusing on sustainable farming and culinary excellence. They are joined by special guests Jeff Zimmerman, co-founder of Hayden Flour Mills, and celebrated baker Don Guerra of Barrio Bread. The conversation covers the journey of developing Arizona's grain chain, emphasizing the importance of local, heirloom grains, the challenges of modern agriculture, and the benefits of sustainable farming practices. They also explore...
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Discovering the Digestibility of Bread: Insights from European Techniques and Ancient Grains
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode, we delve into why bread and pizza in Italy may be more digestible than their American counterparts. The discussion centers on differences between European and American bread-making techniques, particularly focusing on types of wheat and fermentation processes. Experts Don Guerra, a master baker, and hosts Oren and Pete, highlight the significance of ancient grains, like einkorn, and traditional sourdough methods that contribute to better digestibility and health benefits. They explore the role of wheat varieties, fermentation, and agricultural practices in crafting nutritious...
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Exploring Arizona's Culinary Diversity with Chef Brett Vibber
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, hosts Pete and Oren converse with Brett Vibber, a chef and culinary educator deeply embedded in Arizona's food culture. The discussion opens with light-hearted banter about weight classes and jiu-jitsu, before diving into a rich exploration of Arizona's culinary diversity. Brett shares his insights on the unique agricultural and geographic features of the state, debunking common misconceptions about Arizona's culinary landscape. The conversation also covers Brett's approach to sourcing locally, the importance of foraging, and his...
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Exploring Arizona's Culinary Landscape with Chef Tamara Stanger
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, hosts Pete and Oren delve into Arizona's unique culinary scene with Chef Tamara Stanger. Chef Tamara shares her insights on the distinctiveness of Arizona cuisine, driven by local foraging and the state's diverse ecosystems. She emphasizes the importance of traditional foraging, sustainable farming, and the use of local ingredients, highlighting the potential of Arizona’s food culture. The conversation extends to the challenges and rewards of running a restaurant that focuses on local, nutrient-dense foods and the evolving consumer appreciation...
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Discovering Arizona's Culinary Scene with Eric Walters: A Celebration of Local Flavor
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
Join us on 'The Desert Harvest' as we delve into the vibrant culinary scene of Arizona with Eric Walters, author and expert on local food and drink. Hosted by Pete and Oren Molovinsky, this episode highlights the rich culture and diverse offerings from across the state. Learn about the underappreciated gems, the importance of local ingredients, and the passionate individuals driving Arizona's food and beverage industries. From foraging wild ingredients to collaborating on unique dining experiences, discover what makes Arizona a hotspot for culinary innovation. Don't miss this insightful...
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Sustaining Local Communities Through Heritage Grains: Meet Don Guerra of Barrio Bread
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode of The Desert Harvest, hosts Pete and Oren dive into the fascinating journey of Don Guerra, the renowned founder of Barrio Bread and recent James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Baker. They discuss Don’s commitment to building a resilient local grain economy in Arizona, his inspiring collaboration with local producers and farmers, and the social impact of his work. Join us as Don shares the origins of Barrio Bread and his latest venture, Barrio Bagel and Slice, shedding light on the importance of community-supported agriculture and the virtuous cycle of good food and...
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Behind the Scenes of a Restaurant Launch: Insights and Inspirations From Barrio Bagel and Slice
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, the hosts discuss the intricacies of opening a new restaurant as Oren teams up with renowned baker Don Guerra to launch 'Barrio Bagel and Slice' in Gilbert, Arizona. The conversation dives into Oren's past experiences with opening Farm Boy and the lessons learned. They explore the importance of patience, partner selection, community relationships, and effective communication with various stakeholders involved in the process. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in opening a restaurant and highlights the upcoming venture...
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A Deep Dive into Arizona's Wine Potential with Deep Sky Vinyard
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, the hosts delve into Arizona's burgeoning wine industry with guests Phil and Kim Asmundson of Deep Sky Vineyard. The conversation covers the Asmundsons' journey from acquiring a vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina, to pioneering viticulture in Arizona, debunking myths about its suitability for winemaking. They discuss the similarities between Southern Arizona and Uco Valley in Mendoza, including latitude and altitude. The discussion moves to the use of technology in farming, detailing how the Asmundsons use moisture sensors and frost fans to optimize...
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Opening a Restaurant with Confidence
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode, Pete and Oren discuss various aspects of opening and running a restaurant. They share personal experiences and insights into what makes restaurants succeed or fail. Topics include the importance of understanding your market, the role of business planning, the benefits and challenges of franchising, and the significance of strong partnerships. They also talk about practical steps for securing financing and choosing the right location. Oren emphasizes the value of working with experienced professionals such as general contractors and architects, and the importance of community...
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The Urban Farm Impact with Chef Jayson
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
Farm-to-Table Insights with Chef Jayson Khademi: Flavor, Health, and Community In this episode of 'The Desert Harvest,' hosts Pete and Oren invite Chef Jayson Khademi to discuss the unique dynamics of being a personal chef with access to an urban farm in downtown Phoenix. Jayson shares insights into the profound impacts of fresh, locally grown produce on flavor and health. The conversation touches on various farming and culinary techniques, including fermentation, food preservation, and thoughtful meal preparation, emphasizing the importance of respecting ingredients. Jayson also discusses his...
info_outlineHave you ever wondered what it truly takes to get that fresh, farm-to-table peach on your plate?
If you're striving to eat healthier, support sustainable practices, or strengthen local community ties, this episode unpacks the unique challenges and rewards of local farming—and why your food choices matter more than you think.
- Gain insight into the struggles and triumphs of seasonal farming at Molovin' Farms.
- Discover how farmer’s markets and CSA subscriptions connect you directly to the source of your food.
- Learn why supporting local farms can benefit your health, protect the environment, and enrich your community.
Press play now to uncover the hidden stories behind your food and take a small but powerful step toward healthier and more sustainable eating!
In this episode, the hosts discuss the cyclical challenges of farming, especially focusing on the unique relationships between farmers, chefs, and the local community. They delve into the seasonal hardships at Mulligan Mullivan Farms, emphasizing the labor-intensive process of producing high-quality peaches and the impact of nature on crop yields. The conversation explores the benefits and intricacies of farmer's markets, CSA subscriptions, and local butchery, highlighting how these avenues create connections between producers and consumers. Key points include the importance of supporting local agriculture for better health, environmental sustainability, and fostering community relationships. The discussion touches on several resources for further understanding the value of locally sourced food, including films, books, and influential figures in the farming community.
00:00 Missing Peach Season: A Farmer's Lament
00:44 Challenges of Farming: Nature's Influence
01:26 Symbiotic Farming: Chickens and Peaches
02:29 Farmer's Market: Connecting with the Community
04:30 Value-Added Products: Freeze-Dried Peaches
07:54 Farm-to-Table: The Chef-Farmer Relationship
20:41 CSA Subscriptions: Supporting Local Farms
27:14 Local Butcher Shops: Quality and Sourcing
28:21 Arcadia Meat Market Experience
30:52 Economic Perspective on Local Butcheries
33:22 The Meat Shop: A Worthwhile Trip
35:28 Value Proposition of Local Meat
38:31 Educational Resources on Food and Agriculture
46:32 The Ecological Impact of Food Choices
50:04 Conclusion and Future Guests