Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - "Make it, bake it, grow it" fun is about to begin this Saturday at the OTFM-TC! Enjoy 90+ locally-made products, services and entertainment: farm-to-table produce, international fare, sculptures, tropical flowers, hand-rolled cigars, natural body products, custom-made sandals, jewelry, chiropractic sessions, live music and so much more!

One such gotta-try is La Vaka Gorda's family Greek yogurt. Joaquin Mauleòn blends whole cow milk and live cultures to create one of the market's best-selling products: a line of sugar- and preservative-free Greek yogurt.

Meet La Vaka Gorda

In August 2010, Mauleòn and his wife left Mexico City to arrive in their new community, Puerto Vallarta. Among the many items they brought westward was a cherished family tradition: making healthy, delicious Greek yogurt for loved ones. Mauleòn set out to share the healthy benefits of Greek yogurt, and became a vendor in December 2010. Despite what he would describe as a humble stall (a little table, an even smaller cooler, and a Christmas tablecloth), his business was a hit.

"Now we're in our fifth season," says Mauleòn. "We have a better display, countless customers-turned-friends, and the peace of mind that we are helping people from all over the world be happier and healthier."

What is Greek Yogurt?

Greek yogurt is strained more than regular yogurt. The process makes it thicker, more savory, and power-packed with good bacteria: L. Acidophilus, L. Bulgaricus and S. Thermophilus. These pro biotics are known for improving digestion, absorbing nutrients, improving immunity and easing constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease and lactose intolerance.

Health professionals recommend at least one serving of probiotic-rich foods each day. By choosing Greek yogurt, you'll gain these good-for-you nutrients:

• B12 for energy and brain development
• Protein for cell growth, building muscle and repairing tissue
• Calcium for limited fat growth
• Iodine for proper thyroid function

"Good Energy" Greek Yogurt

"Good energy goes into each of our products," says Mauleòn. "We treat the cultures carefully, because they are energy for our bodies and for life. Our customers love our yogurt, because it's fresh, and they know that they're eating something really, really good."

And this Saturday, you can sample La Vaka Gorda for yourself! Choose from their line of can't-miss Greek yogurt products:

• Regular
• Vanilla
• Yogurt dips in a variety of flavors

You can also contact lavakagorda(at)gmail.com, +52 (329) 102-1840, +52 (322) 152-1470 or Facebook.

Love Yoga?

While at the market, join us for yoga classes (9:30-10:30 am) taught by instructors from Yoga Collective. We meet in the kiosk every Saturday morning through April 30th. Participation is by donation.

Meet the Market

The OTFM-TC is a North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico's outdoor Tianguis markets. It is also a registered non-profit/association civil organization that focuses on nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of Puerto Vallartans. All OTFM-TC products are either locally grown or handmade within 75 kilometers of the city.

You're Invited!

The OTFM-TC will be open 9:30-2 every Saturday, from November 7, 2015, to April 30, 2016. You'll find us in Lazaro Cárdenas Park, located in Vallarta's Emiliano Zapata neighborhood. For only 12 pesos an hour, you can park in the garage directly beneath park. Public buses and taxis also come this way with a Pino Suarez Street drop off.

Get Involved

Interested in becoming a new OTFM-TC vendor or volunteer? Stop by the information booth to pick up an application.

For market updates in English - and now in Spanish - please visit OldTownFM.com, and "like" us on Facebook.

Click HERE to learn more about the Puerto Vallarta Old Town Farmers' Market.