Colorado Proud

Jolene Collins of Jojo’s Sriracha made a big leap of faith when she decided to move her specialty sriracha processing operation from Denver to Pueblo. Making the most authentic, delicious, local sriracha meant living and working only a few miles away from where her main ingredient, the legendary Pueblo chile, is grown.

Colorado is well known worldwide for its high-quality lamb, ranking third in the nation for sheep and lamb production, with over 445,000 raised statewide. Colorado lamb comes from various sheep breeds raised primarily in free-ranging pastures, grazing throughout the summer and fall, and many in the meadows and fields of the High Country.

Enhancing salads with millet makes a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.  Millet is a grain that thrives in Colorado. Often overlooked in other states, this tiny seed makes a big impact on our economy.

You’ve had them baked, mashed, and fried, but have you ever had them street style? Potatoes are a meal time staple and their versatility, diverse flavors, and nutritional value mean they can easily become a star of any meal. Potatoes contain many essential nutrients including potassium, vitamin C, fiber, B6, iron, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. 

Colorado agricultural producers are encouraged to list their business in a publication reaching more than 85,000 consumers across our state. The 2022 Colorado Farm Fresh directory, released annually in June by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, promotes Colorado farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-picks, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) producers, agritourism activities, wineries, and farms and ranches that sell direct to the public. 

Every January, a resolution-driven population commits to improving their eating habits, thinking harder about food choices that are nutritiously and economically sustainable. Thanks to Colorado farmers, ranchers and producers, local-food options make it easier than ever to stick to this resolution, adding extra value to our lives well beyond the New Year timeframe. 

As the temperatures drop, we can look forward to warming up with the many chili recipes available. Start the year off right with a well rounded meal to cover all your food groups. This month, enjoy a bowl of Colorado Red Chili!  

Even in the winter, you can still find fresh produce in Colorado. Greenhouses and high-tech storage facilities let us shop local even during the coldest months of the year. Gourds store especially well in the right conditions. Many of our Colorado Proud farmers provide winter squash, which you can find at local retailers or winter farmers markets. 

Pork and hominy come together in a stew to warm the soul. Preparing and cooking stews that can feed groups of any size makes life a bit easier, especially during the holiday season. Set your table with decorative ears of dried corn and small gourds or pumpkins, and you’ll be ready to enjoy Colorado’s traditional flavors.