A family farm, Rico Farms is run by the Tapia family. Francisco Tapia, Sr., is an engineer by trade, and his son Francisco Tapia, Jr., has been educated stateside where he gained a degree in Industrial Process and Systems Engineering. That’s a lot of technical savvy for a farming family.
The farm is situated inland from the Sea of Cortez near Hermosillo. The Tapia family’s lands cover over 4,000 acres and more than 90% of this land has been set aside as a wildlife preserve. The production area is surrounded by this wilderness on three sides, which reduces the chance of pests or diseases affecting crops- great natural protection for an organic farm!
Francisco Sr. began farming organically 30 years ago, starting with grapes, and then expanding to other crops including many types of squash, both summer and winter varieties, and melons too.
Realizing that he needed to look after his labour force who come from the surrounding communities, and at our urging over several years, Francisco recently got certified Fairtrade. During harvest season, Rico Farms accommodates up to 400 farm workers.
Products
Beans - Green
Delicious green and yellow beans. Often steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or baked in casseroles... green beans are as versatile as vegetables get. </br></br>Found to have high levels of vitamins C and A, green beans are also full of beta-carotene and other healthy carotenoids which help out cardiovascular system.
Squash - Butternut
Butternut squash is a fruit that can be roasted, toasted, or pureed for soups, casseroles, breads, and muffins. </br> </br> All squashes provide vitamin A and vitamin C, some of the B vitamins, and are a good source of fibre. They are also rich in carotenoids. The darker the flesh of the squash the higher the concentration of beta-carotene.
Squash - Spaghetti
This stringy squash provides a fun substitute for pasta and can be cooked in a variety of ways. </br></br>Winter squash, are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are important for cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. They also have been shown to be helpful in regulating blood sugar. They are high in vitamins and especially excellent sources of Vitamin A and C.
Zucchini
This product will come from Secrest farm for Bow Valley members, and will come from Harker's fruit ranch for everyone outside of the Bow Valley.</br> </br> Zucchini is the most well known and popular summer squash. These are nicely sized squash so you'll have lots for zucchini bread, soups, and stir fries! </br> </br> Zucchini and other summer squash are relatively lean on the nutrients since they are mainly composed of water. However, they are good sources carbohydrates, vitamin C, and do have a decent concentration of health promoting carotenoids.
