Loyal customers of the Monroe Street Farmer’s Market will know our vendor of the week Xiong’s Tasty Produce, and to know this vendor is to love them and their products. Xiong’s Tasty Produce was one of the first vendors to join the Monroe Street Farmer’s Market, and throughout the years, Maria Vue, co-owner of Xiong’s Tasty Produce, has seen the market not only grow, but also thrive.
Xiong’s Tasty Produce is a small, family-owned business. Currently owned by Maria’s immediate family and her in-laws, they were inspired by their ancestors and extended family members who were passionate about farming and gardening. The name of the business comes from Maria’s husband's last name, and the “tasty” element has to do with the quality of the produce the business both values and offers. Starting out at a small farmer’s market in the Madison area due to excess produce after they began gardening, Xiong’s Tasty Produce has grown right alongside the Monroe Street Farmer’s Market, earning itself a group of great, loyal customers.
“Whenever I am gone, usually for only one week out of the year, our regular customers always ask about my whereabouts and look out for me. I think since we have been at the market for so long, we have built up a group of amazing regular customers who support us week after week,” Maria stated.
The Monroe Street Farmer’s Market is very special to Maria and Xiong’s Tasty Produce, not just because they have been selling at the market since the very beginning, but also because Sunday at the market is the business's most successful day of sales. Even though Xiong’s Tasty Produce is also a vendor at the Dane County Farmer’s Market, which is much larger than the Monroe Street Farmer’s Market, the business shockingly does significantly better on Sunday mornings than any other day of the week. Maria emphasized this by explaining that while they typically have three people working at the Dane County Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, they have six people working at their stand every Sunday on Monroe Street.
Xiong’s Tasty Produce offers a variety of fresh products at these markets such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, raspberries, herbs, and more. Though, their most popular product is snap peas. They are unique to Xiong’s Tasty Produce because they typically have them early on in June, and they stay consistent throughout the market season as Maria and her family members continue to plant them.
“It’s a vegetable that both young and old people really enjoy. You can never go wrong with them, which is why we sell so many,” Maria explained.
It’s no surprise that Xiong’s Tasty Produce is one of the most popular and well known vendors at the market, their products are refreshing and delicious, and the owners are kind and friendly. It was clear while speaking with Maria that she was very grateful for the Monroe Street Farmer’s Market and the devoted customers it has provided their business.
“I want to personally thank all of our regular customers. We appreciate the people who come out and support us every week. Seeing people and interacting with customers is my favorite part about my job,” Maria said.
Make sure to stop by the market this Sunday to check out Xiong’s Tasty Produce and say hi to Maria and her family. Just think about all of the new and fun fall recipes you can make using some of the products Xiong’s Tasty Produce has to offer. We hope to see you all there!