Summer is a vibrant time for fresh produce, offering a colorful bounty of fruits and vegetables that are as delicious as they are nutritious. From juicy cherries to succulent melons, summer’s harvest provides endless opportunities to create refreshing and healthy dishes. Let’s dive into some of Summer’s Best Produce and explore delightful recipes that highlight their flavors.

Local Cherries 

Cherries are synonymous with summer. Bing cherries, with their deep red color and sweet flavor, are perfect for snacking. Rainier cherries, known for their golden-yellow hue and delicate sweetness without the higher acid levels, are great for eating by the handful. 

Fresh Melons

Nothing says summer like fresh melons. Whether it’s a traditional cantaloupe, honeydew, or the lesser-known but equally delicious organic Umi black seedless watermelon, these fruits are hydrating and perfect for hot days. Enjoy them individually or toss together a delicious fruit salad, fruit kebabs, or try your hand at “shaved fruit dessert.”

Don’t forget to try delicious, super sweet, orange fleshed honeydew! This hybrid variety of melon is a cross between green fleshed honeydew and orange fleshed muskmelon. The result is an incredibly sweet and beautiful fruit to add to your breakfast spread!

Big Seeded Old-Fashioned Watermelon

For those who love a bit of nostalgia, the big seeded old-fashioned watermelon offers a taste of summers past. Its sweet, juicy flesh and fun-to-spit-out seeds make it a family favorite. Seeded old-fashioned watermelons are one of Summer’s Best Produce items. Serve in oversized wedges and host a seed spitting contest! Or try your hand at homemade Watermelon Aqua Fresca!

Flavor Bomb Tomatoes
& Tower Basil

These tomatoes are aptly named; their intense flavor bursts in every bite. They are excellent for salads, salsas, or just eating fresh off the vine. Try them tossed with mozzarella, basil, cucumber and a drizzle of Sotto Voce olive oil.

Tomatoes & basil are best buds. Pick up a tower basil plant to have basil on hand as your garden tomatoes ripen. Tower basil, with its robust aroma and flavor, is essential for summer dishes, especially when making pesto or caprese salads.

Local Peaches & Berries

The juicy sweetness of local peaches is unparalleled. Fruits are picked at optimum ripeness for flavor, not for traveling long distances. Local berries, such as strawberries and raspberries, especially from Washington, are also summer staples, known for their exceptional flavor and freshness.

Garlic Spears

Garlic spears are the flower of young garlic plants picked before flowering. They offer a mild, garlic flavor, perfect for grilling. They have a short season of availability, but are absolutely worth picking up when they are available.

Summer Recipes to Savor

Fruit Kabobs

Fruit kabobs are not only delicious but also fun to make. Thread chunks of watermelon, melon, peaches, and strawberries onto skewers. Serve with a yogurt dip flavored with a hint of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Grilled Fruit

Grilling fruit enhances its natural sweetness. Try grilling peach halves, pineapple slices, or melon wedges. Brush lightly with olive oil and grill until you see char marks. Serve as a side dish or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.

Berry and Basil Dessert

For a light and elegant dessert, toss fresh strawberries and raspberries with a bit of sugar and let them macerate for 30 minutes. Serve over a dollop of mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt, and top with thinly sliced basil.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

This classic combination is a summer favorite. Cube big seeded watermelon and mix with crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped mint or basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.

Making the most of summer’s best produce is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors and health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. Whether you’re snacking on juicy cherries, savoring a fresh fruit salad, or enjoying a grilled fruit dessert, these recipes highlight the best of what summer has to offer. Visit your local Tacoma Boys’ and H&L Produce to find the freshest ingredients and celebrate the season with these delicious dishes.

The biggest game of the year is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by hosting an unforgettable watch party. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in it for the snacks, we have everything you need to turn your living room into your own private box suite. From mouthwatering snacks and craft beers to ready-to-go game day delights, let Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce be your Super Bowl headquarters, so you can host the Ultimate Big Game Watch Party!

Snack Attack: Take a Dip

No watch party is complete without a lineup of irresistible snacks. Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have you covered with an array of game day favorites. Dips are versatile, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any gathering. Pick up some classic Tacoma Boys’ tortilla chips and enjoy are our line up irresistible dips:

Tacoma Boys Salsa

If you like it mild or fire-breath spicy, fruity or traditional, we have a salsa for everyone. Pick up a few varieties to add to your snack boards.

Gnarly Garlic Dip

Pairs perfectly with crackers, chips, or veggies. A true all-rounder, this is a dip you’ll want in your line-up!

DIY Vegetarian
Buffalo Chickpea Dip 

We promise you that no one will complain that it’s vegetarian! Creamy chickpeas blend with spices, buffalo sauce, and just a touch of greek yogurt to push this dip past the goal line.  

BYOB: Sharing (Beer) is Caring

We believe that the more, the merrier – especially when it comes to craft beer. Encourage your guests to join in the fun by bringing their favorite brews to share. Create a BYOB beer-tasting corner and let the good times flow as everyone discovers new and exciting flavors. With our vast selection, you’re sure to find the ideal pairings for your game day snacks. Here are some of our favorites for hosting the ultimate Big Game watch party:

E9 Brewing Co.

This brewery is a staple of the Tacoma and the South Sound craft beer scene. We love that E9 is constantly collaborating to make unique brews that represent PNW local pride. Grab a few varieties to taste test while you watch the Big Game.

Narrows Brewing

Pick up a traditional IPA or throw caution to the wind with something wildly innovative. They have great brews that pair perfectly with a side of football.

Non-Alcoholic Beer

When we say there’s a beer for everyone at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce we mean it! Breweries like Athletic Brewing, in Connecticut, have made it their mission to make non-alcoholic beer without compromising flavor. We carry a large selection of non-alcoholic options, so everyone can enjoy the Big Game with a brew in hand. 

The Main Event:
Dish Up a Main Course

Baby Back Ribs

Score Big hosting points by serving up these delish baby back ribs. Our skilled butchers are at the ready to assist you in picking out the best cuts to serve at your ultimate Big Game watch party!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Assembling these sliders is a cinch with a little pre-game prep. Throw them together at half time and toss them in the oven to serve during the second half of the game.

Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes

Consider the humble baked potato: another great option that can be prepped ahead of time! Elevate it from its humble position and put it in the starting line-up by prepping an array of taco toppings ahead of game day. Mix things up and set up a baked potato bar for everyone to enjoy at the start of the game and pull out the appetizers during the second half!

Your Neighborhood Super Bowl Headquarters

Beyond the touchdowns and tackles, we know that what really makes a Super Bowl watch party memorable is a winning combination of great snacks and, of course, fantastic craft beer. With Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce as your Super Bowl headquarters, you’ve got the winning combination to host the ultimate Big Game watch party!

The Pacific Northwest is ripe with produce all year round, but there’s something special to be said about spring produce. Think of all the bright fruits, earthy herbs, and hearty vegetables. Plus, the anticipation of more sweet fruits coming in the summertime. It’s easy and delicious to make simple healthy meals and snacks using fresh spring produce. And it’s a good idea to think about shopping locally and seasonally year round!

The Best Spring Produce

Spring produce in the Pacific Northwest includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and legumes (like peas). Apricots, rhubarb, asparagus, and mixed greens are well on their way. Green peas, radishes, and watercress are also growing and ready for a spring produce harvest. The variety makes it that much easier to get creative when you cook all year long. 

This spring produce can be used in so many different ways and perfectly seasoned with tasty herbs. Chives, oregano, and thyme grow strong in the spring. Mint, rosemary, and sage are solid herbs that keep on growing all year round. Look forward to nectarines, berries, squash, and tomatoes coming next in the summertime!

Pacific Northwest Produce Tastes Delicious

This is a time of year when many home gardeners will start to spend more time growing and harvesting more Pacific Northwest produce. Spring gardening is a hobby that pays off in a tasty way. If you’re interested in growing your own spring produce, try starting with herbs! It’s a small and simple way to reap the benefits of gardening in the Pacific Northwest: Take a peek at Tacoma Boys guide to herb gardening here. 

How to Cook With Pacific Northwest Produce

Now that you’ve got your Pacific Northwest produce in hand, you may be wondering what to do with it all. When cooking at any time of year, think about how to use what’s in season: Take advantage of the freshness of the Pacific Northwest produce. Here are a few ways to cook with Pacific Northwest spring produce:

• Make a salad using mixed greens, sliced radishes, watercress, and tomatoes. Top it off with your favorite Terrapin Ridge Farms Salad Dressing and Fresh Gourmet Garden Herb Croutons for a refreshing appetizer. 
• Sauté vegetables in a stir fry with legumes and Westbrae Natural Organic Mellow Miso in a flavorful sauce. Stop by the Tacoma Boys deli counter for an already prepared cheese stuffed chicken breast and you’re on your way to a satisfying dinner in almost no time!
• Get grilling with those vegetables and herbs. The weather is warming and it’s the perfect time to have an outdoor barbecue dinner! Throw some asparagus on a hot grill next to one of Tacoma Boys Angus Tri-Tip Steaks. Then leave a sprig of rosemary on the grill for a minute to bring out some smoky flavors and make it into an herb butter for the steak.
• Cook a soup with fresh herbs to season and legumes and vegetables at the base. Though we love soup to warm in the winter, it’s delicious and nutritious any time of the year!

However you decide to enjoy your favorite Pacific Northwest produce, Tacoma Boys has everything you need to get cooking. Try your favorite go-to meals with a swap for spring produce this week! And even if you’re not one to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you’ll surely appreciate the freshness of it all. 

Shop Local for Spring Produce

You may have heard that it’s important to shop local. But why? First, it stimulates and supports your local economy! This means your neighbors and your friends’ businesses. When you shop local, you support local farms and help them keep the crops coming for next season. There’s something new and tasty to look forward to every few months!

It’s also sustainable to shop local and eat what’s in season near you: Products don’t have to travel long distances over time to get to you. And when local seasonal produce doesn’t have to sit around for a long time, it’s fresh and bright in color when you get it.

When you shop local and enjoy food products that are in season and nearby, you’ll consume a variety of nutrients. The Pacific Northwest is ripe with so many different kinds of fruits and vegetables! Produce is constantly being harvested from farms across the state and nearby regions. What are you looking forward to cooking next? Get creative!

Shop Seasonal at Tacoma Boys

Although enjoying local spring produce is a good idea, Tacoma Boys is able to provide fresh produce from all seasons. Whatever fresh fruit or vegetable you have in mind, just come on by and ask if you don’t see it. We’re happy to help! To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Few food pairs are as timeless and versatile as oil and vinegar. There are several types of oils and vinegars harvested and produced in the world: Different varieties of each are useful in a wide range of cooking methods and recipes in every cuisine. Mixing the two is a popular way to make use of both versatile, tasty, and often healthful ingredients.

Why Pair Oil and Vinegar

The combination of oil and vinegar has long been used in many cuisines for several dishes. Acidic vinegar balances and contrasts with fatty oil in a base for salad dressings, marinades, and more. Whether you’re looking at popular olive oil, nutty coconut oil, pungent sesame oil, or neutral avocado oil, there’s a way to make use of it alongside trusty vinegar. For example, olive oil and balsamic vinegar are a classic pair — and always available at Tacoma Boys in many varieties! To fully taste the classic combination, dip pieces of bread into a shallow bowl full of Stonewall Kitchen Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Napa Valley Natural Organic Extra Virgin Basil-Infused Olive Oil, and herbs. This recipe for Bread Dipping Oil is a good guide with step-by-step instructions on how to assemble such a dip.

Once you notice how useful and common the combination of oil and vinegar is, you will start to see it in everything! Some of the best salad dressings, sauces, dips, spreads, soups, and marinades rely on these two ingredients.

Health Benefits of Oil and Vinegar 

Aside from adding flavor and texture to a meal, consuming certain oils and vinegars can provide nutrients and health benefits. Like most any food, the health benefits vary between different types – And moderation is always key. Avocado oil and olive oil are common favorites in the world of oils: Although they contain fats, these fats are monounsaturated. That means they’re the good, healthy fats that regulate cholesterol and give you everyday energy. 

Vinegar certainly provides health benefits because it is a fermented food. Alongside fermented friends like yogurt, pickles, and sauerkraut, these foods contain probiotics that help maintain digestion and an overall healthy gut. Fermented foods also support your immune system. Apple cider vinegar is one variety that is hailed for its health benefits: Some people drink Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar straight from the bottle to reap its immune-boosting rewards!

For an example, olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar can:

• Provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
• Lower unhealthy cholesterol levels
• Reduce diabetes risk
• Improve blood flow and reduce hypertension

Cooking with Oil and Vinegar 

When cooking with oil and vinegar, it’s important to account for the taste of both and the smoke point of oils. Heating oils with a low smoke point, like olive oil, can result in burned oil and a smoky kitchen. Rather, try opting for “high heat” oils that won’t burn in your skillet. Avocado oil is growing in popularity for its use in high heat cooking. Same goes for refined coconut oil (which is flavorless).

Olive oil, while not ideal for cooking at a high temperature, should have a pleasant taste. Same goes for some other oils like sesame oil. This is why they’re often used as a flavor agent in dressing and dips: In fact, consuming olive oil raw is the most nutritious way to do it! Next time you go to sauté some onions or whip up a salad dressing, keep this in mind. Cooking with oil and vinegar utilizes fat and acid. These are two of some of the main tenets of good cooking that will help you achieve a balanced-tasting meal! Adding a dash of vinegar to soups, stews, sauces, and salads are as easy way to balance things out with a little acidity.

Vinaigrettes

If you add oil and vinegar to the same container, you’ll notice they don’t easily mix. However, you can emulsify oil and vinegar with some firm whisking and a bit of patience.This is the definition of a vinaigrette!

• Aside from tasting delicious on a salad, a vinaigrette can make up the base of a marinade for meat and vegetables. 
• The oil in a vinaigrette will coat the meat to allow seasonings to stick while the vinegar will tenderize the meat. Both add great flavor.
• Add seasonings and other ingredients to bring out the best taste in your meal! Herbs, garlic, onion, salt, black pepper, and spreads like dijon mustard are common additions to vinaigrettes. 
• Give it a shot using this Basic Vinaigrette Recipe with a couple variations. 

Grilled Caprese Chicken

One of our favorite ways to enjoy balsamic vinegar is on this tasty Grilled Caprese Chicken dish. After grilling the chicken with avocado oil, a good drizzle of balsamic vinegar will pull those flavors together perfectly. 

Stop By For Supplies!

Tacoma Boys stock of speciality products ensures you’ll find just the right oil and vinegar for your cooking needs. This includes Delallo vinegars, Napoleon olive oils and vinegars, Spectrum Sunflower and Coconut Oil, Roland truffle oils, and much more. If you ever have a question or need help finding your favorite, don’t ever hesitate to ask! To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

In a world that usually hurtles through color-coded family calendars at breakneck speeds, we find ourselves with the sudden unexpected sweet and salty gift of a hard halt. No club volleyball. Virtual business meetings. No coffee dates. Just you at home with the people you care most about with nowhere to go and nothing to do. This time comes with the challenge of navigating complicated emotions—from the grief of things lost to the relief of social pressures taken away and everything in between. It also comes with a bright side–an opportunity to form habits for which we’re usually too busy. If you’re one of the many people who wants more time around the table with your kids, we’ve compiled a list to help you have great family dinners together!

Like it or not, extra time at home is the reality for most of us, and the good news is we get to choose what to do with it. Many days will likely be filled with tablets and Netflix and boredom, and that’s ok. Other days will be filled with board games and science experiments and newly invented family activities, and that’s ok too! On every day, you and your family will need to eat. And if you’re like most parents (roughly 62%) with children under 18, you probably wish your family ate more meals together. The benefits of family meals together are numerous and well documented—including lower obesity rates in children and decreased high risk behaviors in teens. 

What Happened to Family Dinners?

With all of these positive results, why aren’t we eating family dinners? Simple. We’re busy. The majority of parents who say they’d like to have more family dinners cite conflicting schedules within the family as the main reason they don’t. Maybe that reason resonates all too well with you. If so, the saying holds true—there’s no time like the present! Here at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we value your family’s health and well being, and we have everything you need to make family dinners a success! Here are some tips to help you establish and keep a family dinner routine.

5 Tips for Successful Family Dinners 

1. Keep It Simple

The most important thing about family dinners is the time spent together! So don’t get bogged down by the pressure of creating a masterpiece every night. Some days dinner might be chicken piccata and other days it will be chicken nuggets. At the end of the day, if your family is together and fed, put it in the win column. Don’t forget sandwiches count! Come by our deli for deliciously fresh sliced roast beef or honey baked ham to give your homemade sandwiches a gourmet flare. To make things a bit easier, try keeping a few pre-made sides in the freezer. Swing by one of our locations and grab a bag of frozen cauliflower rice or sweet potato fries in our frozen food section. That way, all you have to worry about is the main course, and family dinner still feels complete!

2. Plan Ahead

Nothing will torpedo your efforts quicker than failure to plan. One of the best ways to set yourself up for a successful family dinner routine is to set aside an hour one day to think about what’s for dinner the rest of the week. You don’t have to have all the details ironed out, but a general idea and a shopping list will keep you from panicking and ordering pizza by Wednesday. Try to reward yourself by planning one or two extra easy meals for yourself, like cordon-bleu chicken bakes from our deli. Minimum work for you, but a meal your whole family will rave about.

3. Find Your Rhythm 

Finding your rhythm goes together with planning ahead. It can be daunting to answer the question “what’s for dinner?” week after week, and it can seem like you’re reinventing the wheel. With all the options and recipes out there, it’s easy to feel like you have to try something new and different every night. You don’t! Chances are, you have 10-14 meals your family loves and you’ve mastered. It’s ok to put them on a rotation. Or write a simple schedule out as a template for your weekly dinner rhythm. It might look something like this: 

Monday—Salad

Tuesday—Crockpot meal

Wednesday—Italian/pasta

Thursday—Mexican

Friday—Seafood 

Saturday—Leftovers

Sunday—Frozen Pizza

Having a list like this in the back of your mind gives you inspiration for meal ideas your family will love. It also gives you the flexibility to change it up within categories and peruse weekly specials for great deals. Consider putting our fresh steelhead fillets from Norway on this week’s rotation…you won’t regret it!

4. Loosen Up

This tip may seem contrary to the previous two, but they actually go hand in hand. Think of your meal plan and rhythm as guidelines—inspiration to make your dinner decisions easier. But pressure to stick to the plan perfectly adds an unnecessary level of difficulty to family dinners that can make them feel like more trouble than they’re worth. Your dinners should work for your life. And flexibility can make sure they do. If you were saving tacos for Tuesday, but everybody is craving them Monday, make Taco Monday a thing! If frozen pizza was for Sunday, but you’re short on time tonight, tonight’s the perfect night for pizza.

Try leaving one day of the week open for whatever suits your mood. This works especially well on grocery shopping days when you can buy whatever looks good at the store. Keeping it loose will ensure dinner is a stress free experience for everyone, especially you.

5. Don’t Forget Your Veggies

One of the great benefits to family dinner—besides time together—is health. Family dinners at home are the best way to model healthy eating habits for your kids. It’s easy to incorporate a vegetable into dinner, and including at least one can help determine a side every night. You don’t have to force vegetables, but including them in your daily routine helps your family understand that they’re part of a healthy lifestyle. At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, you’ll always find the most quality local produce and knowledgeable employees to point you in the right direction. 

Where to Shop for Great Family Dinners?

In order to set yourself up for a successful family dinner habit, you need to arm yourself with excellent ingredients. When you choose Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, you can rest assured your family dinners will be full of quality main courses and produce you can feel great about. Whether you have a shopping list and a plan or need some inspiration, we’re here for you. Stop by one of our locations and get what you need for your family dinners today!

When you search for a “butcher near Tacoma,” do you consider the different services they may offer, and ways they cut and season the meat? Here are 5 things a butcher can do to improve your meat market experience.

A recent USDA study found that pre-packaged meat (the stuff on Styrofoam, wrapped in plastic) had over 211 different drug residues. Why? Because those meats are sourced from “factory farms”.

So, if you’re not interested in eating meat with residual antibiotics and hormones, then it’s time to visit your local  butcher!

Sourcing meat from a local butcher near Tacoma is an easy and sustainable way to incorporate organic meats into your meals.

Read on for the 5 things you didn’t know you could ask your Tacoma butcher.

1. They Cut and Tenderize for You

Some cuts or dishes require special equipment (like a bone saw). If you don’t have one of those in the depths of your pantry, there’s no need to fret.

Just ask your butcher to cut or tenderize the meat for you.

They’ve got the necessary equipment and space. Plus, it’ll save you a load of prep time once you get home.

2. They Season Your Meat for You

Who better to season the meat than a person who works with meat for a living?

At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce we have our own brand of rubs and sauces that perfectly pair with the cut you’re looking for. Most butchers have their favorites for beef, pork and chicken.

All you have to do is ask, and prior to the packaging, the butcher can season the meat to perfection.

Now that the meat is cut and seasoned, it just leaves the cooking to you! All you have to do is gather your ingredients and recipe to get dinner going.

3. Your Butcher Near Tacoma Can Special Order

Are you looking for something a little out of the norm? Maybe a goose or a turducken (that would be a chicken inside a duck, inside a turkey)?

Ask the butcher! They can work miracles behind the meat counter.

They may not have what you want on hand, but if you give them a few days’ notice, they can most likely order it for you!

If you’re short on time, you can always give one of our stores a call and the meat department will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

4. They can Teach You a Thing or Two

Some people avoid the butcher counter because they don’t know what kind of meat to ask for or what to do with it once they get it home. If that sounds like you, it’s okay! Just tell the butcher.

It’s actually a lot of fun for us if you have no idea what you’re looking for. It’s like giving an artist a blank canvas and letting them create a masterpiece. The butcher might ask you some questions like:

• Which cuisines you typically enjoy?
• What type of dish you’re looking to cook?
• What’s your skill level?

The butcher can then  offer suggestions as and instructions on the best way to prepare the cut.

The average American consumes about 200 lbs. of meat each year. So, you might as well learn how to shop for it, and cook it well!

5. Your Butcher Can Help You be Environmentally Friendly

Last but not least, a butcher near Tacoma can help you source your meat sustainably. They know that purchasing an entire animal from a local and reputable farmer is the best way to guarantee that the meat is a high quality and doesn’t get wasted.

If you don’t live with 12 other people, then buying a whole cow or pig is unrealistic. One option is to find a group of friends who are interested and having a butcher divide, package, and prepare the animal into equal parts for the whole group.

You’ll have fresh, frozen, meat for an entire year!

Now Try it Out!

At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we are proud to be an amazing option when looking for a Butcher near Tacoma. Not only do we offer an amazing meat section, but thousands of labels of beer and wine, fresh produce, and amazing specialty food items. Not to mention our ceramic pottery, floral and planting options.

Come and visit one of our expertly trained butchers, and embrace what Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce are proud to offer the greater Tacoma area. You’ll never find our meats under plastic or on Styrofoam plates. Our all-natural deli case meats are fresh, organic and hand wrapped, just like in the old days.

Read Next: 5 Easy Meals You Can Make in Minutes

Now that it’s Fall, farmers markets have shut down. But that doesn’t mean the quality of your meals has to go down. Fall and Winter actually bring a bounty of healthy and tasty foods, too! It’s as easy as visiting a natural grocer like Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce.

Fall is Harvest Season!

There’s a lot to miss about summer, but Fall brings a whole new variety of delicious and heart-healthy fresh fruits and vegetables. Because our inventory is constantly revolving you can always shop on a budget without sacrificing quality. Every week we are changing the specials and bringing in new foods and beverages. If you like trying new things, you’ll never get bored at one of our markets. We believe that Quality is Always the Better Buy. We sell the best and leave the rest alone.  

October & November Selections

Our #1 tip for saving money while eating healthy is to shop in-season. But that’s not always easy! So what’s good right now? There are plenty of in-season fruits and vegetables that you can buy without breaking your bank.

For the Fruit Lovers

• Apples and Pears
• Grapes
• Cranberries
• Oranges and Tangerines

All the Best Veggies

• Broccoli and Cauliflower
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage, Lettuce and Spinach

Other Seasonal Favorites

• Pumpkin!!
• Squash
• Sweet Potatoes

All-Season Deals

Consider Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce to be your farmers market that stay open all year long. It’s a total game changer! Some fruits and vegetables maintain a great price year round.

The first one that comes to mind is the cucumber. Another thrifty choice is cabbage. A head of cabbage is great no matter what season you’re in, and like the cucumber, it can be eaten a number of ways, so it’s definitely a go-to vegetable for any meal.

Fruits You Can Always Find

• Apples
• Citrus Fruits

When searching on a budget, sticking to these fruits and vegetables won’t let you down.

A Natural Grocer That’s Open Year Round

Tacoma and Puyallup both have great farmers markets, but they are forced to close by the end of October. Thankfully, you can have the same experience at Tacoma Boys and H&L produce all year long. Did we mention we’re open 24 hours a day? That means we’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a midnight snack.

Think of us like a permanent farmers market but with more options. Having brick-and-mortar locations allows us to offer a lot more than a pop-up market. When you visit, you’ll find a variety of produce indoors and outdoors. Inside, we also have a fresh meat department, thousands of different beers and wine, unique gifts and snacks.

If you like exploring the aisles, you can discover something new each time you visit. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a favorite food or beverage and can’t find it anywhere, let us know and we’ll do our best to order it for you.

Check Us Out

If you’re looking for an alternative to farmers markets for the Fall and Winter seasons, you should definitely check us out. As your local natural grocer we are known for carrying what’s fresh, local, organic and in-season.

When it comes to our suppliers, we truly only want the best. The food we sell comes from farmers and suppliers who care about giving customers quality, no matter what the occasion or time of year.

Give us a call to learn more about what we can do to help you and your family eat healthy all year long. We look forward to hearing from you.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for a friend, coworker, or family member? It can be hard to choose the right gift for different people, especially if you’ve already got them a number of presents in the past. I know it’s going to be hard to beat the watch I got for my partner from WatchShopping last year! Not all presents are going to be appreciated either, in fact, people return about $380 billion worth of gifts each year.

So how can you beat the odds and give a gift they’ll truly love? When gifting things like clothes, jewelry, books, and household items, you have to worry about the color, design, size, and if they already own the gift in question so you have to know the person really, really well in order for it to be perfect. This is why many look to Custom gift ideas to fill this need when it rises.

The good thing about gifting food from a specialty market near Tacoma is that you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just make sure it’s a food they like. And of course, you want to make sure the gift is special and unique, just like them.

Keep reading to discover 5 unique food gifts from a specialty market near Tacoma.

Chocolate and Handmade Fudge

Chocolate gifts don’t just have to be for Valentine’s day or anniversaries.

If you have a chocolate lover in your life, consider giving them a variety of chocolates from all over the world. They’ll love comparing classic American chocolate to imported chocolate. As chocolate is always a great to give, especially if you are looking for a unique gift idea, you might wanna try something like The Amazing Chocolate Workshop.

Of course, don’t forget to get a nice assortment of milk, dark, and white chocolate. And don’t forget the nuts and fruit that add wider variety.

Looking for a local favorite? We carry a wide selection Seattle Chocolate Truffle Bars. Specialty items like Pike Place Espresso, San Juan Sea Salt or the Many Thanks Truffle Bar might be the perfect touch to personalize a gift.

Have a friend that’s vegan, has a gluten intolerance or is organically minded? We have just the chocolate bar for them! Leafy Mama creates a bar that is all of those things, complete with a beautiful natural presentation.

If you’re looking for something handmade, try fudge. At Tacoma Boys, we hand-make almost 30 different flavors of fudge. Consider gifting a mix of traditional flavors, like chocolate and vanilla pecan with unique flavors like jalapeno, green tea, and banana nut.

Gourmet Cheese

If they aren’t a chocolate lover, maybe a gourmet cheese will suit their fancy.

Tacoma Boys offers a wide selection of cheese from across the United States and the World. Looking for a local favorite? Be sure to ask one of our knowledgeable employees to help you find something. They might lead you to a selection from Beecher’s or Tillamook.

One of our customer favorites is Coastal Cheddar from Ford Farm in Dorchester, England. This hand crafted cheese is made from the milk of free-range, grass-fed cattle.

Consider including crackers or wine to your gourmet cheese for a more cohesive and complete gift.

Infused Vinegar

Are you shopping for someone who loves to cook and try new things? At Tacoma Boys we have a plethora of hard to find, quality items to pique the interest of any epicurean.

We’ve all heard of infused olive oil, but what about a gift of infused vinegar?

Infused vinegar can be used in place of marinades when cooking. It can also be used as a salad dressing or as a bread dip with a little extra kick. Anyone would love a unique and versatile gift of infused vinegar.

Click to learn the benefits of balsamic vinegar.

Natural Honey

Organic and natural food products make great gifts for health nuts and nature lovers alike. Honey may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it can make a delicious gift.

Honey is an all-natural way to sweeten your beverages, breakfast and desserts. It can also do well as a sugar substitute in many recipes!

One of the other health benefits of eating local honey, is that it helps our bodies develop a tolerance to the pollen of local plant life. Ever get the sniffles or sneeze during certain parts of the year? Try a dose of local honey!

Tacoma Boys is a specialty market near Tacoma, WA that sources its natural honey from a local beekeeper. You may think that all honey is the same, but each type of honey actually has a distinct flavor depending on what flower was used during pollination.

They will love this unique and sweet treat, and you’ll be helping to save the bees, too!

Click for tips on house to bake with honey.

Pepperoni/Jerky Bouquet

Sometimes men are the hardest to shop for. Think outside the box and consider a healthy selection of cured meat. Instead of a dozen roses, the man in your life may be thrilled to receive a dozen different pepperonis and jerkies, wrapped in butcher paper.

Take note of their favorites, and you have an amazing gift idea ready for the next occasion.

Click to tour the meat counter at our Lakewood location.

NW Beer Basket

Did you know that the Northwest is home to some of the best craft breweries in the world? Our region’s grain growers provide us with a bounty of ingredients for a variety of brews.

Consider purchasing one of our inexpensive wicker baskets, and making your own gift basket of local brews, or maybe mix it up with our wide selection of international brews!

Click here for the 5 Best Craft Beers to buy at Tacoma Boys Specialty Market.

Custom Gift Basket

Is it too hard to choose just one food gift? We think so!

At Tacoma Boys, we handcraft custom gift baskets for anyone on your list. Just give us the theme, budget, and quantity — and we’ll do the rest.

This is a perfect solution for folks who may want a basket of samples for that special someone, or simply have no idea what to get! You could even add something like a fewpersonalized bobbleheads to each basket to add that extra bit of uniqueness. It’s also a quick way to create a specialize gifts one person or your entire staff.

Themed gift baskets are easy to shape around a certain person, holiday or occasion. Just call in your theme idea and pick it up when ready!

Click here for the location nearest you.

Unique Gifts from A Specialty Market Near Tacoma

If you’re living in Washington and looking for a unique food gift, look no further. Tacoma Boys, a specialty market near Tacoma, has a bounty of giftable foods.

A wide variety of chocolate, handmade fudge, gourmet cheese, infused vinegar, and natural honey are available. If you can’t decide what to get, we can make and deliver a custom gift basket for you!

Do you want to know more? Contact us today for more information or to order your unique food gift.