Pure Texas Honey has a vast product sampling available each week at the Westchase District Farmers Market.
This October, the Westchase District Farmers Market will celebrate its sixth anniversary. Two of the vendors who were there at the first market (and who have attended virtually every market since), along with one relative newcomer, were the top three finalists in the online voting for Best Farmers Market Vendor in our Best of Westchase contest.
Congratulations to the top vote-getter Chris Kohnke of Pure Texas Honey. Kohnke is the market’s resident beekeeper and honey expert. Having learned the business from his father-in-law, Kohnke cares for bee colonies in Brenham and Katy, bringing honey varietals each week to the Westchase District Farmers Market.
Most popular, he said, are the wildflower honeys from Katy and Brenham. He also sells an 0range Blossom honey, Texas Mesquite honey, Buckwheat Honey, Brazos County Honey and Central Texas Clover honey. Kohnke also has honey soaps, bee pollen and bottled honey comb. And he’s a wealth of knowledge about all things bee-related. Ask him about how the honey is produced, best uses or the health benefits and he’ll be happy to share his experiences.
“I’m honored to have been voted ‘best vendor’ at the market,” said Kohnke. “The folks who are my competitors are also my friends. We love selling direct to customers via farmers markets and it’s always fun to earn another regular customer at the Westchase District Farmers Market.”
Houston Winery, which joined the market little more than a year ago, has become a customer favorite. This micro winery makes Texas wines right here in Houston. Its award-winning wines include Texas High Plains Viognier, Roussanne and Petit Verdot, Texas Roughneck Red and the Houstonian Port. The newest release is a sweet white wine lime blend, formally known as Snake Bite. Informally referred to as a Wine-A-Rita, it can be served chilled or blended with ice for the perfect summer beverage. Tastings are offered every week.
Rounding out our top three farmers market vendors is another merchant who has participated in the market since its opening. PEAS Farm brings seasonal fresh produce, honey and eggs to the market each week. Elvis and Pat d’Agrella own three farms in Conroe and Huntsville. They have an extensive variety of produce depending on the growing season. This summer, they’ll have yellow squash, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, green beans, brussels sprouts, radishes, carrots, beets, greens, onions, tomatillos, cantaloupe, watermelon, and…who knows. Come to the market any Thursday from 3 p.m. until dark to find out for yourself.
“The farmers market has become a big part of the Westchase District community since its opening more than five years ago,” said market manager John Carey. “It was fun to have this category included in the Best of Westchase contest and nice to see our long-time vendors recognized.”
Elvis d’Agrella of PEAS Farm (far left) and Jayme Konarik of Houston Winery (second from right) exhibit hilarious fake hostility toward winner Chris Kohnke. Market manager John Carey presides over the fun, after presenting the award to Kohnke.
