A Tale Of Tamales
Tamale & Salsa Company Delights With Parcels Of Holiday Joy.
Anyone who has spent a holiday season in Texas has undoubtedly come across a store or vendor selling piping hot parcels of meaty corn husk-wrapped goodness. Tamales have a rich tradition in Latin America, especially around special occasions, so it’s no wonder these tasty treats have found their way onto countless Christmas tables.
Jack and Racquel Morehead, owners of the Farmers Market of Grapevine and Grapevine Tamale & Salsa Company, have both had a deeply ingrained love of tamales since childhood.
“When we were kids, we would often go to the farmers markets with our fathers,” Jack recalls. “There would always be somebody there selling tamales, and it was probably the most exciting part of both of our days. It was just such a big part of our families to have the tamales.”
When the couple founded Main Street’s now-beloved Farmer’s Market in 2009, they knew this Latin American staple had to play a role. They began honing their skills making the notoriously labor-intensive treats, which involves soaking corn husks, creating the masa, fillings and salsas and then assembling, ultimately creating the Tamale & Salsa Company.
“It's a very long process,” John explains. “When the hatch chile harvest came in this year, our daughter would arrive at 5:30 in the morning, often not finishing until 9 at night. That's why we don't make every single flavor — we specialize.”
While you can certainly find traditional pork or beef versions, the Moreheads are known to have fun with their fillings. Depending on the time of year, some of their biggest fan favorites include Hatch Pepper, Jalapeño Popper and Sausage and Potato. For a sweeter option, customers go crazy for their seasonal Pumpkin Spice Pecan, Apple Pie and Fudgy Brownie tamales — especially around the holidays.
“Christmas is traditionally the busiest time of year here in Texas,” Racquel notes. “The week before Christmas, everybody's buying at least a dozen tamales. Some people buy eight to 10 dozen tamales. They're awesome gifts.”
Given the market’s prime location on the Christmas Capital of Texas’ Main Street, you won’t want to miss snacking on fresh, hot tamales while taking in the Christmas sights.