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FAMILY
TRADITION
In
the town of Velarde, named after Don Juan Velarde in 1598, Rancho
de Santa Fe was founded. Don Juan and his family settled in this
land and started farming using the King of Spain's name, who
had sent Don Juan, under the command of Don Juan de Onate, to
claim the new territory. Having already conquered Mexico, King
Ferdinand declared the new land "New Mexico."
Accompanied
by "Franciscan" Monks, carrying the finest apple seeds
from the hill country of Spain, Don Juan Velarde's family began
farming in the beautiful valley, finding it perfect for growing
chiles, peppers, spices, and a variety of fruits. The seeds used
to start and continue the Velarde family's famous products, were
generations of seeds originated from the best seed stock owned
by the King of Spain. The altitude of Rancho de Santa Fe is 6,000
feet, and the careful attention given to each plant and tree
also contributes to the special flavor attributed to the products
of Rancho de Santa Fe. A flavor sought but unmatched anywhere
in the world.
Eddie
Velarde and the Velarde family are dedicated to carrying on the
centuries old way of producing only the finest chiles, peppers,
mixes, apples, cherries, peaches, pears, plums, and other fine
foods; the FINEST available anywhere in the United States. Rancho
de Santa Fe's products comes from 37 acres of the richest farmland
in the world. The rich bottom land of the famous "Rio Grande"
river, running south through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains,
where the cold clear mountain water from melting snows rushes
from beautiful 12,600 feet high peaks into the 400 year-old irrigation
acequias (ditches), eager to quench the thirst of young budding
chile, pepper, and other spice plants.
Using
organic methods of controlling weeds and insects, Rancho de Santa
Fe's products contains no additives, preservatives, or filters.
It's easy to understand why over 75% of the products entered
into competition each year wins BLUE RIBBONS. Rancho de Santa
Fe continuously places First Place in almost every competition,
from winning two of the five awards in the International competition
for their Salsa (with over 30 countries participating), or walking
away with National farming honors, or winning "hundreds"
of State and County ribbons. EXCELLENCE is truly a Velarde family
tradition, and their gift especially to you.
Eddie
Velarde carries on the work ethics and tradition of excellence,
handed down from his father and fore fathers. Honored as "OUTSTANDING
YOUNG FARMER" in New Mexico for two years in a row, Eddie
placed second in 1990 and in 1991 placed first in State competition.
In 1992 he did better, Eddie Velarde was named one of four "OUTSTANDING
YOUNG FARMERS IN AMERICA" by U.S. Jaycees and John Deere
& Company. Eddie also received recognition for excellence
from President George Bush, Governor Jim Edgar, State of Illinois,
and Governor Bruce King, State of New Mexico. Eddie has also
received many valued awards for outstanding community service.
Do
your taste buds a favor and try our international award winning
salsa, as well as our fine bagged chiles, assorted spices, Chile
Ristras, and Chile Wreathes; the most sensitive palate will be
delighted. Our wonderful gourmet New Mexican mixes and breads
will be a special treat for your social gatherings. We truly
hope you enjoy the pleasure of eating them as much as we have
enjoyed growing them for you.
The
Choice of Kings
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