Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - When Mercado Los Mangos announced a one-month extension of its season, until the end of June, both vendors and the public at large responded enthusiastically. In particular, Mercado Los Mangos is attracting local farmers in search of shaded places to present and sell their products.

"We've been very happy since the first Saturday," commented José Rivera Andrade. He grows chemical-free Thai bananas, along with Jackfruit and soursop in the Puerto Vallarta outskirts. "The trees at Los Mangos provide natural shade, slightly lowering the temperature and protecting or produce. We trust that the Summer months will continue to be prosperous here."

Mercado Los Mangos regulars have the opportunity to discover produce that is not that common in the region, such as drumstick tree leaves, known locally as moringa. Raquel Castillón and Alvaro Rentería have been creating natural products derived from this Indian tree (Moringa oleifera) whose benefits include reduction of tiredness and fatigue; healthy skin-loving vitamins, including Vitamin A and E; immune-boosting powers; muscle growth and stress reduction. "People have been very welcoming to us," commented Raquel. "We appreciate the community's willingness to try new products."

Another popular vendor is Talit María José Leon, who harvests organic honey twice a year high in the mountains south of Puerto Vallarta. "Bees love wildflowers and our extraction is completely free of pesticides," she explains. "People love our products and the vibe at Los Mangos is greatly enhanced by the garden, the shade and the live music. I'd totally recommend it to other vendors."

Mercados Los Mangos is open every Saturday from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm through the last Saturday in June. It is located at Av. Francisco Villa 1001 in Colonia Los Mangos, just before the turn to Costco.

Interested in becoming a Mercado Los Mangos vendor? Pick up an application at the information booth on Saturdays. Questions? Email mercadolosmango(at)gmail.com.