Prickly Pear Tea
In the summer of 2012, local artist Victor John experimented with blending tea and Sonoran Desert prickly pear cactus fruit. The result: a tangy elixir with earthy, fruity overtones. John now sells prickly-pear-laced black and green teas ($15 each) and chai latte tea ($20) under his Prickly Pear Tea Co. label at up to 29 Arizona farmers markets a week. Harvested locally, prickly pear reduces inflammation and is a natural antioxidant, John says. And the beautiful artwork gracing the bags? “The labels are from my paintings.”
Prickly Pear Tea Co.
480-223-2717, pricklypearteaco.com
Gelati and Sorbetti
And you thought Merkin Vineyards only did wine. Using Arizona-produced dairy products along with fresh fruits and herbs from the winery’s many gardens and orchards, Merkin chef Kelley Foy whips up a grand selection of rich, handcrafted gelati and sorbetti ($11 per pint). Arizona-inspired flavors include herby, wine-tinged Lavender Malvasia; refreshing Bunker Mint Chip; and a bright, tart Pomegranate Lemon sorbet. Other flavors of note: Vanilla Bean & Booze, speckled with real vanilla beans and spiked with whiskey; and Salted Caramel Cream, a sultry mélange of brown butter caramel and sea salt.
Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale
7133 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale
480-912-1027, merkinoldtownscottsdale.com
Gourmet Potato Chips
For the past several years, Valley tuber maven Phillip “Flip” Isard has supplied Arizona restaurants with thick-cut, doubled-fried french fries through his Frites Street brand. Now, the spud whisperer has added hand-cut gourmet potato chips ($7, 5 oz. bag) to his repertoire – and they’re so good, you’ll never want to eat another Pringle again. Isard fries thinly sliced, brined Kennebec potatoes in a canola oil blend until golden brown and crunchy, then seasons them one of four ways: kosher salt, barbecue, salt and vinegar or jalapeño. You can buy the gluten-free and vegan chips at several Valley locations, including The Meat Market in Cave Creek, Arcadia Meat Market and Singh Farms.
Frites Street
