IN  SUPPORT OF OUR MISSION

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In 1991 local herb growers gathered  with the Texas Department of Agriculture to host an event to showcase herbs.  The event was held at Aggie Park and was a tremendous success.  As the Herb Market concept grew, we decided to incorporate and we began looking for another location that could hold the increase in patrons.  In 2008 we relocated to the Historic Pearl Brewery and in 2009 we added the Basil Fest to our events. 2012 and 2013  found us moving out into the community even more with our Educational Seminars on growing and using herbs. Things change and we are now being hosted by Rainbow Gardens Nurseries, at their Bandera Road location for Herb Market 2024.   Our focus has shifted over the years to be more than a one-day event. We are working to achieve our goal of sharing with the public the wonderful world of herbs - how to grow them, how to cook with them, how to use them outside of the kitchen and how to incorporate them into a healthy lifestyle.

There is increasing public interest in herbs, growing and purchasing local and seasonal plants & products which contribute to a sustained healthy lifestyle.  The San Antonio Herb Market Association continues to support our community by providing information at our events on how to grow herbs and vegetables. Look for our booklet "Herbs: Nutritious & Delicious" when you are at our next event.  It's free!

Our History

Basil Fest:

In May we bring you "Basil Fest" our Charity Event of the year, where the focus is on Basil, the "Kingly" herb.  We want to share our knowledge on how to grow it, how to cook with it and how to incorporate it into a healthy lifestyle.  The highlights of this event include free seminars on basil, celebrity chefs from bakeries, restaurants and hotels throughout San Antonio will be using Basil in their recipes and you will want to sample!  We will have demonstrations, activities for the children, basil plants to purchase and of course the "Chef's Challenge “ where celebrity chefs from around San Antonio battle to win the "Challenge Plate" for best recipes using Basil.  The proceeds from this event are donated to a local community charity that shares our mission. 

Herb Market:
 Each year on the third Saturday of October we bring you our seminal event, the October  "Herb Market"  - a fun day with plants for sale and information on everything herbal including the Annual "Herb of the Year".  It is a free family day with events and activities that are sure to interest every family member..  Here you will find Texas growers selling fresh herb plants, vendors and artisans offering herbal soaps, crafts, books, nutritional information and foods. We have cooking events that highlight the herb of the year and activities for the children.

​Events & Seminars:

Throughout the year we hold information seminars at various locations in and around Bexar and surrounding counties.  We focus on how to grow herbs and the importance of the nutritional value herbs add  to your diet.  We work with Texas AgriLife presenting cooking demonstrations and give free recipes to all who attend.  Look for our booklet "Herbs" Nutritious & Delicious which is packed full of recipes, nutritional information, history of herbs and how to grow in south central Texas.

Herb Of The Year:
1995 Fennel
1996 Monarda
1997 Thyme
1998 Mint
1999 Lavender
2000 Rosemary
2001 Sage
2002 Echinacea
2003 Basil
2004 Garlic
2005 Oregano and Marjoram
2006 Scented Geraniums
2007 Lemon Balm
2008 Calendula
2009 Bay Laurel
2010 Dill
2011 Horseradish
2012 Rose
2013 Elderberry
2014 Artemisias
2015 Savory
2016 Peppers Caspicum ssp.
2017 Coriander/Cilantro 
Coriandrum sativum
2018 Hops
Humulus ssp.
​2019 Agastache
Foeniculum 
2020 Rubus ssp. (Blackberries,
Raspberries et al.)
2021  Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

2022 Viola (Violet, Johnny Jump Ups)

Family violaceae

2023 Herb of the year - Ginger

2024 - Yarrow

San Antonio Herb Market Association is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation whose mission is to share information on how to grow, use  and incorporate herbs for daily use into a healthy lifestyle.

We provide community outreach through presentation programs, speaking engagements, seminars, cooking demonstrations and charitable gifts throughout the year.  In addition, we provide  opportunities for herb growers and related businesses to showcase their products grown and crafted in Texas. We have several events each year to support this mission. 

2024 Officers

Chair - Mary Dunford
Vice Chair - Rob DeRocher
Secretary - Leslie Bingham
Treasurer - Joan Saucedo

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 Members-at-large   

Liz Campanella

Adrienne Hacker

Laura Rogers 

​Marilyn Magaro - Facilitator