Two New Vendors Join the Family Fun at the Farmers Market

Manhattan Beach residents and visitors flocked to the farmers market last Tuesday to shop for fresh fruits and veggies and indulge in handmade creations.

Two of the newest vendors to the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market are Go Green Nopal, which sells cactus and corn tortillas, and Almost Legal, a dessertery that makes low-calorie cheesecakes (sounds like an oxymoron, but read on!). Find out more about these vendors below.

Go Green Nopal

Products: Tortillas and tortilla chips made of cactus and non-genetically modified corn. They also sell cactus powder. Cactus? In chips? Patch tried it, and did not taste a difference. Try it for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments.

Bonuses: Gluten-free. The cactus is also certified organic.

Prices: Tortillas cost $4-5 dollars per pack, depending on the size. Powder costs $12-30, again, depending on size.

Tips from the vendor:

Vendor Krystal Miranda recommends the green chips and white tortillas if you're looking for the best taste. But if you crave the fiber fix, the whole grain white chips contain more fiber (6.5 grams per 10 chips) than the stone ground green chips (3 grams per 10 chips).

As for the cactus powder, she advises customers to mix 1/2 a teaspoon in smoothies and drinks. Research shows that cactus reduces inflammation, provides gastrointestinal support and has many other positive physiological effects.

Almost Legal Desserts

Product: 55-calorie mini-cheesecakes and 57-calorie mini-cake bites. Cheesecake flavors include blueberry bliss, lemon heaven (lemon curd) and chocolate truffle ganache. Keep an eye out for the red velvet cheesecake at the farmers market on July 10.

Bonuses: Gluten-free, homemade and contains only in-season fruits.

The story: Owner Maureen O'Crean supported herself through Harvard Business School with the money she made selling homemade cheesecakes to a friend's restaurant in New York. After graduating, O'Crean sought to develop a business for an eatery that makes tasty, creative treats while also raising money for homeless women and children. The result is "Almost Legal Desserts." Twenty-five percent of the profits she makes at the farmers market go toward her nonprofit, "A Bed of My Own," which provides job training for homeless mothers.

On Manhattan Beach: "The people here cannot believe it's so low calorie. They keep asking me if it's artificial sugar... it's not! We hand-measure the amount of icing we put on the cakes… it's very time-consuming," O'Crean said.

The Manhattan Beach Farmers Market occurs every Tuesday on 13th Street, between Morningside Drive and Valley/Ardmore. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Keep an eye out for the market's 6th anniversary celebration on July 17.

Check out the accompanying gallery to see photos of adults and children hanging out near the farmers market stalls, listening to live music, stopping by the face-painting booth and riding the mini-train.