GLENDALE, Calif. — Los Angeles has one of the largest populations of Armenians in the United States, with many Armenian Americans creating a home in Glendale. The city was without a farmers market for over five years, but now, a new one will honor the Armenian community and culture.

One chef, Armineh Minassian, is a home cook making dolmeh. Her ancestors fled Armenia during the genocide, so she was born in Iran and has never been to her home country. Her family would stay connected by cooking traditional cuisine.

"We would eat this once a week. We learned it from our mom," Minassian said.

From the stuffed grape leaves to the stuffed pumpkin, another traditional dish, Minassian has been serving the food she loves through her at-home cooking business for 14 years, saying, "Food is part of culture."

But recently, she can expand her reach even further through the new Glendale Artsakh Farmers Market, a Sunday event where Armenian chefs and artisans can sell their goods.

"I meet people from different cultures and I have a chance to introduce my food to them," Minassian said.

The idea began over 10 months ago when the founder of the market, Hilda Avanessian, wanted to support Armenians impacted by the Artsakh Azerbaijan war. She started buying from local business owners, but it was difficult because they didn't have storefronts. She realized it would be beneficial to have them all in one centralized place.

"This is their storefront," Avanessian said. "I basically call this their storefront. I want the community to come out and support. The more they come out and support, the longer we can stay here."

Avanessian worked with the city of Glendale to find a location and get the permit to offer the farmer's market every Sunday. Now, there are about 60 rotating stands selling fresh produce, cooked food, jewelry, soaps and more.

The proceeds still go to nonprofit organizations helping those in Armenia. Not only are you uplifting local Armenian business owners, but you will also be serving those impacted by war. 

"It brings culture, heritage, and recognition into the community," Avanessian said.

Chef Minassian is blessed to have this opportunity to serve her community and honor her country.

"Culture is in your blood," Minassian said. "You can't take it away. It's something that lives with you. I've never been in Armenia, but I cry for Armenia."

Although she has never been, she is forever connecting to and sharing the spirit of Armenia.

The market, located at 222 E. Harvard St., is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday.