Longer days and warmer nights call for eating dinner outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. Head to the farmers’ markets this week to search for what local crops you need to elevate an average meal into a great one. Don’t forget about dessert – there are plenty of baked goods that deserve to be celebrated as well.
Not only will you be getting fresh, locally grown produce, eggs and meat, but you will also be supporting urban farmers and hunger-relief programs by shopping at one of the two Community Food Bank markets. Both are open to the public and accept cash, credit, EBT, WIC vouchers and Arizona Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (AZFMNP) coupons.
Santa Cruz River Farmer’s Market at Mercado San Agustin – Thursday 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Peppermint Jim’s will have a fresh batch of mint for sale and available to go through the variety of uses for this crop grown right on the Crosby Mint Farm, located in the Tucson Mountains.
Forever Yong Farms has a special crop of garlic scapes that are only available for a short period of time in our desert climate. A garlic scape is the flower stalk of hard neck garlic plants. Cut them up and put them in a salad or sauté into any dish that you would add garlic too.
This will be the last week before the hours change to 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Community Food Bank Farmers’ Market at the Food Bank – Tuesday 8:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.
The small, local farmers participating this week in the Abundant Harvest Cooperative will be bringing citrus, sprouts, fresh cut herbs, onions and bell peppers.
As always, all items are grown in Southern Arizona and without pesticides.
Bao from Anna’s Kitchen (Credit: Michael Moriarty)
St. Philip’s Plaza & University of Arizona
Food in Root offers a variety of local, artisan goods. With such a wide range of small businesses being represented, head to one of the nine locations around the city this week to pick up your favorite products and discover some new ones.
St. Philip’s Plaza Classic Farmers’ Market , 4280 N. Campbell Ave. – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Anna’s Kitchen will be selling their specialty dishes, including bao (a bun with a variety of filings) made in steamer baskets.
Because the dogs in your life also deserve something special, take a walk to Beggin’ for More for grain free, organic dog treats.
Northwest Farmers Market, 6200 N. La Cholla Blvd. – First and Third Tuesday of the month from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Mouth of the South Salsa has high quality, authentic fresh salsa in several sizes and ranging in heat from Lame (mild) to Insane (extra hot).
To satisfy your sweet tooth, look for Global Fusion to meet all of your brownie, cobbler and cookie needs. Check out for the vegan and gluten free options.
Heirloom Farmers Market spans across the city, reaching from Trail Dust Town, to Oro Valley and back down to Rillito Park. Celebrate the connection the community has to its food by walking through the markets and taking the time to talk to the vendors.
Rillito Park Farmers Market, 4502 N. 1st Avenue – Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
Old Pueblo Pretzels is a new vendor at the market. Made with 100% natural ingredients, these soft Philly pretzels are soft, chewy and have a malt finish.
Oro Valley, 10901 N. Oracle Road – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Pappardelles Pasta specializes in small-batch, handmade pastas using primarily organic and non-GMO ingredients. Pick between several different kinds of pasta to take home.
Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Adventure Coffee Roasting will be out keeping you caffeinated with its organic, free-trade, locally roasted beans.
