Rossi Naturals Kitchen is officially Open at the Farmers Market

Growing organic produce is such a rewarding endeavor that we think everyone should do it.  We grow food to be as self sustainable as possible and we have learned over the years how to prepare what we grow in ways that pleases the complicated pallets in our household.

Our food preparation is determined by what is  growing in the garden at the time. We enjoy preparing different meals and sharing/swapping recipes with our friends. 

The opportunity  to sell food came to us via our local farmers market where we were already selling produce.  We felt it was a great opportunity to show folks healthy options that can be made with locally sourced produce and with what you grow in your own backyard. 

On January 26, 2019 we kicked off the Rossi Naturals Kitchen and so far have done two farmers market sessions.  This is what we are currently offering on a rotating schedule:

• Vegan Mushroom Ceviche
• Vegan Causa
• Vegan Lentils
• Vegan Sancocho (Vegetable Stew/Soup)
• Vegetarian Papa a la Huancaina
• Turmeric Ginger Tea
• Ginger Mint Lemonade
• Strawberry Lemonade 
• Kombucha
• Ginger Beer (coming on Feb 09)
• Turmeric Beer (coming on Feb 16)
• Tumeric Lemongrass Beer (coming Feb 23)

All menu items were are a hit.  At our first market we sold out with hours left and we learned a great deal about serving food at lunch time. Boy does it get busy.

Let me take you back to the preparation phase of this new venture step by step:

1. Get Food Serving License
2. Buy chafing trays to hold food safely
3. Buy serving spoons and containers
4. Buy eco friendly, compostable serving bowls, cups & utensils
5. Buy drink holding containers 
6. Buy more large coolers
7. Buy more folding tables
8. Buy an extra 10x10 tent
9. Make more table covers
10. Make an extra banner for the Kitchen

As you can see there is an investment to be made, but buying the right equipment will make for a better experience for us as merchants and for our customers. Presentation is everything. 

The revenue streams of a local urban farm can easily be expanded with a little extra work and a little investment. A merchant can easily double their revenue just by serving ready to eat food & drinks.  Folks do get hungry and thirsty at the farmers market. 

Local growers and  merchants have an opportunity to capitalize  their exposure at the farmers market.  The main  point of action is to help bring more folks to the market by utilizing their individual social media channels.  Video channels and blog posts connect merchants with their customer base in order to communicate about the adventures of being a merchant at the farmers market and so much more. Humanizing their brand is a way to connect with customers. Merchants need to make sure they retain the customers they've made through their hard work. 

We strongly believe the farmers market to be the center of local commerce where growers, chefs, and artisans bring their best products. The community gets to enjoy a day out of the house in a healthy, fun, family oriented environment and the cities benefit by the revival of local parks and public spaces that promote said local commerce.

The marketing mission for every merchant should always be : Attract, Connect, Engage & Delight. We need to keep working to humanize our brand, building the farmers market as the hub of each community, and to continuously improve on what we do.

Be sure make it to our next Farmers Market in Luquillo, click here to visit our Events page to see details, time & location.  We hope to see you there.

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