This Week at the Farmers Market: Tangerines, Kale Chips & Chocolate Chip Cookies

With so much going on around town, Tucson has hit that point of the year when we have plenty of visitors and more to do. In between concerts, gem show stands, and long walks along the Rillito River Park Trail, take the time to get to one of the many markets happening this weekend.

Community Food Bank Farmers Markets

With a new month, brings a new focus for the kid’s activities at the farmers market on Thursdays. In February, stop by to learn about soil and composting. Different ways to compost will be highlighted and also lessons on how beneficial the process can be.

Santa Cruz River Farmers Market

100 S. Avenida del Convento, 3 – 6 p.m. Thursday

• The Roasted Chile has bowls of green chile corn chowder, green chile cookies and fudge. To quench your thirst, get a cup, jug or bucket of their famous green chile lemon-aid.
• Dragnass Soaps makes handmade, all natural products and is ready to be your Valentine’s stop. Look for lots of holiday specials to get for all people you love.

Community Food Bank Farm Stand

3003 S. Country Club Rd., 8 a.m. – noon Tuesday

• Abundant Harvest Cooperative has put together a beautiful display of grapefruits, lemons, kale, sprouts, tangerines, sweet limes, peppers and cilantro.

For more information visit communityfoodbank.org.

FoodInRoot

Next weekend, plan on going to the Saturday and Sunday markets at St. Philip’s Plaza to prepare for Valentine’s Day on February 14. Get all of the ingredients to make a delicious, locally-sourced dinner and pick up a gift made from an artisan. It will be a celebration of love, so you will not want to miss it.

University of Arizona Farmers Market

1303 E. University Boulevard, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Wednesday

• Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro serves up unique, authentic Peruvian food to the markets. Get a plate of yucca fries, sweet plantains and Peruvian paella, then wash it all down with a glass of Inca Kola.
• Mmmm. Pretzels makes plenty of treats to enjoy. Try the Cinnamon Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Coconut Macaroons and as the name implies, an assortment of Caramel and Chocolate Pretzels.

St. Philip’s Plaza Farmers Market

4280 N. Campbell Ave., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday

• Carole’s Homemade Salsa gives away plenty of samples because she knows as soon as you try it, you will want to buy her product. Pick up a jar of her homemade salsa and bring it to your Super Bowl party this weekend.
• Grandma Santi’s Biscottini makes small batch biscottini (tiny biscotti) in flavors like Anise Pecan, Almond, Chocolate Almond and Chocolate Orange Cranberry.

For more information visit foodinroot.com.

Heirloom Farmers Markets

Have you ever wanted to be more involved in the markets but don’t want to become a vendor? Consider volunteering on Sundays at the Rillito Park market. Tasks include helping to open the market by setting up tents, running the customer information booth, taking market photos and then assisting in break down once it is all over. If this peaks your interest, head to heirloomfm.org for more information.

Rillito Park

4502 N. 1^st Ave., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday

• My Rawesome Foods is run by Kathy Kale. She makes fresh, raw, vegan superfood snacks like Tangy Tahini Kale Chips, Mango Jalapeno Kale Chips, Zucca thins, Nacho Taco Crackers and CheeZips Crackers.

• Alpine Goat Girl takes pride in carrying for their animals with kindness and respect. All of that love turns into several varieties of goat’s milk cheese like feta, queso fresco, and mozzarella.

Trail Dust Town

6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday

• Lynx Coffee Roasters took a short break, but is back and excited to sell you the best cup of coffee you have ever had. You can also pick up bagged coffee to enjoy all week.

For more information visit heirloomfm.org.