This Week At the Market: Melons, Micro Greens & Acaí

September brings with it the start of football season, cooler temperatures, and all things pumpkin spice. Savor the final flavors of summer with the last of melons, summer squash and peaches while also welcoming the beginning of a new crop of produce like green chiles and micro greens.

Community Food Bank Farmers Markets

The Community Food Bank has released its dates for the fall lineup of workshops to teach the ins and outs of gardening in the desert. All of the classes are free, but a donation is appreciated. Look to the Garden Workshops website for a full list of dates, times and subjects.

Santa Cruz River Farmers Market

100 S. Avenida del Convento – Thursday 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

• Amy’s Raw Kitchen has returned! This longtime local vendor will be selling a great variety of micro greens, sprouts, wheat grass and so much more! It is all grown from organic seeds and pesticide free.
• Forever Yong Farm brings a large selection of fresh produce to the market this week. Look out for chard, collard greens, kale, cucumbers, garlic, summer squash, garlic, onions and melons!

El Pueblo Mobile Market

El Rio Parking lot, Irvington Road and 6^th 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 has welcomed melon season! Stop by for a bright and delicious assortment of watermelons and cantaloupes. While you are there, pick up  garlic, sweet peppers, jalapeños, eggplant, squash, zucchini,  fresh herbs, and eggs.

For more information visit communityfoodbank.org.

FoodInRoot

An exciting event is coming your way, so save the date of Friday September 23 for Desert Diamond Food Fest and Market. It will be a wide collection of farmers market vendors, art, entertainment, food trucks and more surprises at this food based festival. The party will run from 4:30-8:00 p.m. at Desert Diamond Casino, located at 110 W. Pima Mine Road.

Banner UMC Farmers Market

1501 N. Campbell Avenue, Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Mouth of the South Salsa prides themselves on producing high quality, authentic tasting, fresh salsa products. In using only the freshest ingredients and a micro-batch technology, every jar delivers a consistent and original flavor. 
• Mission Coffee Imports specializes in small batch artisan coffee roasting company. Enjoy a cup of fresh coffee from this kind vendor.

St. Philip’s Plaza Farmers Market

4280 N. Campbell Road, Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Saucy Lips Foods is back after a short summer break and ready to take your next meal up a notch. Stop by this spicy vendor for delicious sauces like Tangy Mango, Zesty Cilantro, Pineapple Thai and Habanero Carrot.
• Mike’s Plumeria is a new vendor, coming all the way from New Mexico to share his beautiful, fragrant flowers with you. Welcome him to the market and pick up some colorful flowers to take home.

For more information visit foodinroot.com

Heirloom Farmers Markets

We have mentioned the upcoming Chile Festival on Sunday September 25 before, but did you know you could also reserve hatch green chiles from Red’s Roasters? Preorder now by calling (520) 409-3406. You can pick up your chiles at any of the three market locations that weekend. Hurry – orders must be placed by Monday, September 19.

Rillito Park (4502 N. 1^st Avenue) – Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Purple Tree Organic Açaí prepares mouthwatering blends of pureed organic açaí and add toppings like granola, fruit and honey. Enjoy this super-food and take in all of the nutrients, amino acids, protein, fiber and antioxidants,

• Jack and the Bean Soup is ready to usher in the cooler, fall temperatures with ready to cook gourmet bean and lentil soups. They provide easy and delicious meal solutions using a crock pot.

Trail Dust Town (6541 E. Tanque Verde Road) – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Cafe Francais takes some of its most delicious restaurant food and brings it to the market. Stop by for homemade quiches, baguettes, fruit tarts, and more.

For more information visit heirloomfm.org.