As summer rolls on, the days get lazier and dinner become more about what can be made without turning on the oven. Embrace salads, fire up the grill and enjoy the season. The farmers markets are the best place to gather your ingredients and find some new heirloom varieties of produce to spice up your meals.
Community Food Bank Farmers Markets
The Community Food Bank depends on volunteers to accomplish its mission of bringing food to those who need it in Southern Arizona. Opportunities include helping at special events or on a regular basis. Check out the website here for more information.
Santa Cruz River Farmers Market (100 S. Avenida del Convento)- Thursday 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Desert Harvesters joins the market to discuss the nutritious, summer desert green verdolagas. Verdolagas is an abundant succulent made up of dark green tear shaped leaves that tend to grow in a sprawling fashion. Learn how to identify it, harvest and cook the tasty treat.
- Forever Young Farm has a delicious selection of kale, collards, chard, cabbage and melons.
El Pueblo Mobile Market, El Rio Parking lot, Irvington Road and 6th Avenue – Monday 3:00 – 5:00 p.m
Community Food Bank Farm Stand, 3003 S. Country Club Road – Tuesday 8:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m
- Abundant Harvest Cooperative’s produce includes onions, garlic, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, grapes, nectarines and sprouts this week.
For more information visit communityfoodbank.org.
FoodInRoot
FoodInRoot strives to put markets in as many areas of the city as it can. They have made a huge difference in giving more people access to the markets. The goal is to have a market in a location where people live, work and normally grocery shop to give everyone a chance to experience the difference shopping at a farmers market can make.
Maynard’s Twilight Market (400 N. Toole) Monday from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Red’s Roasters will be firing up his grill to bring you fresh roasted peppers and onions.
- R’s Raw Kitchen serves Macadamia ‘Cheese’ logs featuring dill, chipotle and smoked paprika. Other raw treats include kale chips and macaroons.
St. Philip’s Plaza Farmers Market (4280 N. Campbell Ave) Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Welcome new vendor, Bundt Appetite! Enjoy the decadent and unique cakes for a special sweet treat.
- Happy Hippie Kitchen & Wellness has created healthy, filling, fresh and delicious chia seed pudding. Stop by her stand for a cup and pick up a few donut holes for dessert.
For more information visit foodinroot.com.
Heirloom Farmers Markets
Heirloom Farmers Markets celebrates two strong years at Rillito Park Race Track this week. Since originally setting up this location, they have hosted 59 food vendors and ushered in thousands of customers. Congratulations to a successful two years and we are all looking forward to many more.
Rillito Park (4502 N. 1st Avenue) – Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Americano Mexicano whips up fresh fruit infused waters and fruit cocktails to keep you cool while shopping. Aguas frescas are popular in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Check out the different flavors that include tamarind, hibiscus and agua de horchata.
Oro Valley (10901 N. Oracle Road) – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Mediterranean Delight brings so many delightful treats, you will be hard pressed to pick just one thing. Try the hummus, taboule, pita, feta cheese, fresh mozzarella and the baklava.
Trail Dust Town (6541 E. Tanque Verde Road) – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Succulent Delicacies by Design is a local bakery specializing in cupcakes, cookies and personalized creations. Different options pop up every week; so make sure to stop by this vendor regularly to see what new sweet creations are brought.
For more information visit heirloomfm.org.
