Each Saturday morning, Sean and Vivian Taylor load up and drive to the Bristow Artisans’ and Gardeners’ Market to sell their quail and chicken eggs, socialize with customers, and connect with the community. The Taylors first moved to the Bristow area about six years ago. Vivian desired a quiet, relaxed community and space in which to retire and raise quail. Sean, Vivian’s son, is self-employed and continues to work in the area doing carpentry and other handyman work as well as delivering paint. Together, they raise quail, ducks, and chickens on their acreage south of Bristow. Of their stock, Vivian prefers the quail. Although current egg stock remains somewhat reduced, Sean said they will be working to hatch soon, resulting in more eggs in the future.
Raising quail for their eggs also makes sense from a health market demand perspective. With the current health food craze, quail eggs are a valued commodity in limited supply. Given that health trends often surface and settle in larger cities and populated urban areas, those bigger cities maintain stronger markets for unique health food items such as quail eggs. Sean explained that while they could certainly make more money and grow their farm more quickly in the larger, urban health food markets of Tulsa, they purposely choose to sell them in Bristow.
As to why the Taylors choose the Bristow market, they expressed joy in seeing the people, getting to know and interacting with their community, and the slower pace. Sean’s favorite aspect of the community and market re sides in its friendliness. He likes that people chat with each other when and wherever they happen to meet. Similarly, Vivian’s best-loved piece of being a part of the market and community is the feel of the atmosphere among the people and her customers.
Regarding the quail eggs, the eggs boast a greater yolk-to-white ratio. Their smaller size makes them perfect for snacking or salads. Although slightly more difficult to peel than a chicken egg, the effort involved is rewarded in the yolky flavor and nutritional punch. Additionally, quail eggs may boost immunity as they are loaded with antioxidants, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Despite being smaller than chicken eggs, they often provide more nutrients for their size.
For those interested in beneficial health foods like quail eggs, Sean also makes beet kvass, an earthy probiotic health drink, upon request. For more information on quail eggs, beet kvass, or to ask questions, Sean and Vivian will continue to set up at the Bristow market each Saturday. Questions may also be emailed to seant06@protonmail.com.