Pop a Pistachio: New Mexico’s Other Tasty Treat

GEORGE AND MARIANNE

Schweers wanted to return to their agriculture roots after a career in the Air Force that culminated at Holloman Air Force Base near Alamogordo. When 400 seedling pistachio trees, the first planted in New Mexico, came up for sale, the couple thought a perfect opportunity had presented itself. Neighbors thought the Schweers were, well, nuts. The Schweers had done their homework, and found that the Tularosa Basin in South Central New Mexico had a climate very similar to the pistachio-growing regions of Iran and Turkey. It was a natural desert crop to add to the agricultural scene. Ancient legends from the Middle East allude to the mystique of the tasty nut being associated with romance and royalty. So, besides being tasty and heart healthy, it is fun! One of the legends is that young lovers can walk through the groves holding hands, and if they listen carefully and hear the nut shells popping open, theirs is, indeed, true love. Supposedly, the Queen of Persia (Iran) believed pistachios were an aphrodisiac and kept them as treasure in her storehouses. At 47 years old, Eagle Ranch contains New Mexico’s oldest and largest-producing groves, with more than 13,000 trees. Totally selfcontained, it is a fully integrated agri-business, growing, processing, packaging and marketing its products to both wholesale and retail customers. All the farm products are sold under its familiar trade name, “Heart of the Desert”. The Schweers’ son, Gordon, developed the original chile-flavored pistachios. The farm now boasts nine flavors. The family began a vineyard in 2002 and now has 24,000 grapevines in seven varietals. Chardonnay, cabernet, zinfandel, shiraz, riesling, malvasia bianca, and gewurztraminer make a wide range of wines possible. Purchasing Walker Popcorn Co., this year and moving it to the farm location has added another dimension to the product line. That production will begin in the summer. Olivelle olive oils and vinegars is a major gourmet line that joined our offerings this year, as well. Heart of the Desert Pistachios and Wines ships its farm-fresh products worldwide, selling them by mail order and online. There also are four store locations: the primary store on the farm beside Hwy 54/70, north of Alamogordo; Heart of the Desert on the plaza in Old Mesilla; Eagle Ranch Mercantile in the lobby of the Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces; and The Cork & Kettle in Ruidoso. Tours of the farm are fun and free, and wine tasting is delightful at all four locations.

*Story courtesy of Heart of the Desert.

work of local artisans in an area that surrounds historic San Felipe de Neri Church. There are three nearby museums and the City’s BioPark. Check websites for current information about whether they are open and restrictions on visiting. The plaza offers a therapeutic ambiance if you just want to sit and watch the world go by. Sixty miles north of Albuquerque on I-25, historic Santa Fe has world-class art galleries, museums, and restaurants, and is the seat of state government. Explore the fascinating history of the Palace of the Governors on historic Santa Fe Plaza amid the city’s signature Pueblo Revival architecture. Savor local cuisine at any number of restaurants, or grab a bite from a food cart's tasty hand-held faire on the plaza. North of Santa Fe in the town of Española, take a spin by the Santa Claran Hotel and Casino; the Puye Cliff Dwellings, which give visitors an immersive experience into the lives of the ancient; and the Black Mesa Golf Course, a great challenge to duffers. Known as a European-style ski area for decades, Taos Ski Valley has gained renewed attention since a $300 million redevelopment gave it a facelift that includes a new hotel, a spacious children’s center and other added amenities that can be enjoyed year-round. Some restrictions are in place due to Covid-19. Skiers and non-skiers alike benefit from Taos' clean air and magnificent views, rich spiritual traditions, creative inspiration, abundant outdoor recreation and shopping. A day in Taos will change your outlook and perhaps even your style. For additional winter sports options, check out Angel Fire Resort, which opened in 1966 as a small ski destination. Now it is a four-season resort offering a memorable Rocky Mountain experience for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Located 8,600 feet above sea level, the resort has views of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. Eight miles south of the Colorado border, the small town of Chama boasts elk habitats, clean rivers, hunting, fishing, rafting, hiking and camping, as well as a must-see night view of the Milky Way. Serious hikers can pick up the Continental Divide Trail not far from town. Chama’s train depot is the western terminus of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The train is scheduled to operate a regular season June 5-October 24. Visit https://cumbrestoltec.com/ for updates. Chama also hosts an annual Fourth of July fireworks display, and in the fall, the area around Chama is one of the best places in the state to see brilliant foliage.

CHRISTUS ST. VINCENT

Always Safe, Always Exceptional

At CHRISTUS St. Vincent, we stand ready to care for you and your family. We are committed to addressing all your healthcare needs in a COVID-free environment. For emergencies, urgencies, regular or specialty visits, in-person or virtually, you can count on us to deliver safe, compassionate and exceptional care. We accept most health insurance plans. For your safety, everyone is REQUIRED to wear a mask at ALL CHRISTUS St. Vincent facilities. For more information visit www.stvin.org/safecare

(continued from Page 20)

Though the aquarium is closed, the on-site Shark Reef Cafe offers patio dining and carry-out service. Outdoor food and beverage options and outdoor kiosks for merchandise purchases will also be offered. Guests are encouraged to take their own reusable water bottles, as public water fountains will be turned off. Restrooms will be available and will be cleaned and sanitized frequently. For details and the most current information, visit https:// www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark. balloon rides are available many places in the state. Private companies in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Las Cruces and Gallup, to name a few, offer year-round excursions. So, your choice may be dictated by where vacation plans take you or by what you want to see from above. For example, Taos rides will provide a bird’s eye view of the Rio Grande Gorge. Albuquerque rides let you see the expanse of the city against the Sandia Mountains; some pilots will add to the excitement by lowering the balloon for a near-dip into the Rio Grande before lifting skyward again. In Gallup, float through red sandstone canyons and towering rock spires. Many companies provide light refreshments and even champagne for the older kids. Expect to pay about $200$300 per person. Set aside a few hours for the adventure, even though actual flight time typically won’t last longer than an hour. While rides do take place in the open air, hot air balloon companies have implemented Covid-19-safe policies and practices. Be sure to check with individual companies so you know what to expect.

On historic wheels by track For a trip back in time and some breathtaking scenery, plan to ride The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad out of Chama, N.M., and into southern Colorado. The steam locomotive has pumped its way across the Rocky Mountains since 1880 and is still a thrilling way for train buffs and children of every age to experience “the sounds, steam and steel, and grit of a bygone era in travel.” Riders will see wildflowers, 600-footdeep gorges, wildlife and vistas of snowcapped peaks. The train is scheduled to operate a regular season June 5-October 24. Please be aware that all passengers will be required to wear face masks. This information is subject to change. Be sure to visit https://cumbrestoltec.com/ or call 888.286.2737 for reservations and updates. Or via a contemporary ride Families that want to see the state at their own pace from a vehicle other than the car in their garage might opt for renting an RV. A self-contained motor home and travel trailer lets you be in control of your environment inside and out, and have ample space for you, the children and perhaps even the family pets. You aren’t alone if this sounds ideal. RV rental companies in New Mexico are seeing a surge in business. So, call in advance for the best selection. Some companies rent vehicles that are privately owned by individuals, such as RvStewartRentals, http://www. newmexicorvrentals.com/ and outdoorsy.com in Albuquerque. Outdoorsy’s site also provides a list of popular nearby hiking trails and campgrounds, parks and cities. It even has a list of FAQs that are helpful if you’ve never rented an RV. Other companies rent from an inventory, such as the national Cruise

Elephant Butte State Park, photo credit: NM True

By Boat There’s no better way to escape the heat or feel like you’re on vacation than skippering a boat or going for a swim. You can enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming and scuba diving at Elephant Butte Lake State Park, New Mexico’s largest State park. It can accommodate watercraft of many styles and sizes: kayaks, jet skis, pontoons, sailboats, ski boats, cruisers, and houseboats. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. All anglers are required to have a New Mexico fishing license. For the latest information, call 575-744-5923. From the air Few sights bring as much joy as the vibrant rainbow colors of hot air balloons. To ride in one is near sublime. Hot-air

(continued from previous page)

America, 800.671.8042. Either will get you out of Dodge and into a new environment with an adventure of your choice. No matter where you journey takes you or how you get there, here are a few items to always have on hand: a face mask, as required by executive order of the Governor of New Mexico; water bottles filled with water (fountains may be shut off); hand sanitizer; and plenty of sunscreen. Please note that guidelines and restrictions in New Mexico are in place on a county-bycounty basis. Please consult the county map at https://cv.nmhealth.org/public-healthorders-and-executive-orders/red-to-green/ from the New Mexico Department of Health to learn more about business operations for specific counties.