HSFM | Five Plant Based Market Finds

Simple changes can have significant impact. Our vendors make plant based eating simple and delicious!

Five easy plant based meals from the Market!

1.       Mary’s Jikon

The mung bean wrap is one of Mary’s newest creations. Mung beans, red peppers and the perfect blend of spices all wrapped into a delicious pocket to warm you from the inside out, leaving you feeling recharged and satisfied. Come say hi to Mary every week at market!

2.     Shammi’s Kitchen

Coming home to be greeted by an easy dinner of Daal from Shammi’s Kitchen is the warmest homecoming! A delicious combination of authentic North Indian ingredients lovingly brought from Shammi’s Kitchen to yours! Shammi has been a long time vendor at our market for a reason!

3.     Gr8 Thai Sauce

Looking for authentic Thai? One of our newer vendors Chef TJ has become an instant local favourite. TJ’s creations make authentic Thai cuisine easy, made by you at home! The options are endless with this delicious assortment of curries and sauces. Come say hi to TJ and try a new Gr8 Thai Sauce every week at market!

4.       Plantbased Footprint

What is vegan queso? It’s what you never knew you needed in your life. Creamy, rich locally sourced vegan goodness! Ninety five percent of ingredients are locally sourced. Maintaining local community is central to Plantbased Footprint’s values. From homemade Mac and Cheese, to nachos, to Mexican fusion dishes this is a delicious way to add some serious richness to your dishes. To all our environmentally conscious, or lactose intolerant friends, this is the answer you’ve been looking for.  Keep an eye on our social media for when you can find Plantbased Footprint at market!

5.       Ariya Burmese

You’ve got to try Burmese cuisine! Black bean patties and yellow pea patties: a delicious snack, mini vegan burger, or salad topping. The perfect blend of spice and sweet for a heart-warming snack that keeps you full! Burmese cuisine is perfect for local trekkers looking for a nutritious satisfying snack on the trail. Find Ariya Burmese every week at market!

Share some plant based meals and support local, it’s good for you and the environment! Every week we offer creations from your local makers, bakers and growers!

HSFM | Five Market Finds to Share Some Love

With the day of love approaching, here are 5 market inspired ideas to share the love!

1. Nothing says “I love you” like hot savoury pie! Ma Pies are meticulously created by Corey Ma, a professional patisserie chef trained in Montreal. Come practice your French (the language of love) and pick up some delicious pies for dinner made easy!

2. Valentines wouldn’t be complete without a sweet treat. Lemonberry pastries are beautifully crafted selection of treats from cupcakes to cookies, macarons and more! Find your perfect gift at market!

3. Frozen Assets has frozen treats for everyone and their dog! With new flavours always in the works, surprise your loved ones with Frozen Assets’ impressive selection of vegan creations and ice cream classics! Make yourself a date with a pint of Frozen Assets!   

4. Looking for drinks for two? Skip the champagne and head to SunnyCider for the limited release Oak Aged Cider. Cheers to the delicious bubbles, but locally sourced!

5. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so be sure to take care of yourself first! Nothing says true love like self-care. Nature Notes Aromatherapy is naturally skincare and essential oils by clinically trained aromatherapist Deanna. Hand crafted essential oils, creams, balms, skin care and massage oils for you and those you love!

Share the love this February by supporting your local makers, bakers and growers! We’ll be at market every week giving you reasons to love your community!

Vendor Profile | The Apple Lady

Liisa Hawes, or as most know her- The Apple Lady, has been a part of the HSCA Farmers' Market for over 5 years. Her and her dedicated team market fresh orchard and farm direct produce from B.C. growers. Their purchasing model is based off a fair-trade system, ensuring that the farmers and their employees are well-paid for their work. The Apple Lady team is also a consistent donor to our Fresh Food Basket Program, and for this and many other reasons, we are grateful to have them in our market family. 

Q: Why do you do what you do? 
A: I was visiting some old friends who are orchardists in B.C. and we were sitting around a swimming pool and learning the challenges involved for them in getting fair prices, even after getting through all the difficulties in getting a crop ready to deliver. I like to see small, local businesses thrive- and in that, I include these small, local farms and orchards. I like to be involved and encourage them to grow more varieties, develop new methods, and expand their product line through value added like juicing or drying. 

Q: Why do you choose Farmers' Markets to sell your products?
A: I was selling at various other venues, but I do love being part of the bigger picture at Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association as I can both learn and support through product donations. I love the challenge and support of both the customers and leaders. 

Q: Why is it important to you to support local?
A: I think simple, local and small shifts in practices of sourcing food do make a difference for growers. I have seen small growers "come back to life" as producers, planting new varieties, developing storage, experimenting with preservation methods, investing in their farms and regaining HOPE.

Q: What do you love most about your HSCA Farmers' Market community? 
A: I love this community of vendors and shoppers that go through thick and thin, show up in all weather, rejoicing along with us in every step forward, and still shopping when we are in trouble. 

Q: Tell us something exciting that is up and coming for your business!
A: Good question! We need to reinvent ourselves constantly to stay current in the changing marketplace. We also have a fruit share program year-round. 

Find her online, on Facebook, Pinterest and at our market every Wednesday! Liisa also has a bulk buy club each Monday for those looking for larger quantities- find this special group on Facebook.

Vendor Profile | Shammi's Kitchen

Shammi is a familiar face around the Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers' Market. Having been a vendor with us for several years now, she is always looking out for her fellow vendors and customers. Her diverse selection of frozen meals, spices, treats, dips, naan and more will keep you coming back week after week for that easy dinner solution.

Q: Why do you do what you do? 
A: I am a teacher so I wanted to spread my knowledge and share my skills with a diverse society. I really enjoy sharing, and letting people know the benefits of spices. Cooking is my passion- every hour in the kitchen for me is a happy hour!

Q: Why do you choose Farmers' Markets to sell your products?
A: This is the place where people really come for homemade stuff. People here are health conscious and enjoy products made with a warm heart.

Q: Why is it important to you to support local?
A: I am originally from North India and have my masters in teaching from there. Local means you are able to share your knowledge with the people who really care- those who want to learn about authentic, exotic meals and spices.

Q: What do you love most about your HSCA community? 
A: This is a very vibrant community. Lot's of positive energy around. I love this market- the staff is so very friendly and helpful.

Q: Tell us something exciting that is up and coming for your business!
A: In the summer time I will be attending at least 5 markets!

Find her on  Facebook or at our market every Wednesday!