Time Market: Where Good Food and Good Health Share a Table

Time Market has been serving the Tucson community since 1919, operating as “Tucson’s Original Bodega” and later expanding to serving guests as a restaurant in addition to the grocery store. With quality as its focus, Time Market sources products that balance flavor, tradition, culture, and health — a philosophy that feels right at home in a city with as rich a culinary identity as Tucson. 

On a recent evening, two Nutritional Sciences students and an integrative medicine physician with a background in culinary medicine visited Time Market, located on East University Boulevard, as part of an ongoing exploration of Tucson’s culinary scene. We came with one question in mind: can a delicious market meal also be good for you? Time Market answered with a confident yes.

Our visit began with a walk through the market aisles, where we took in the array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, delicate pastries, carefully selected meats, and an expansive collection of chocolates sourced from regions around the world. It was here that we found our first item to try: rich, dark chocolate made with 75% cacao from Venezuelan cocoa beans, with a hint of citrus flavor to complement the silky texture. Chocolate is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants which can be beneficial for blood pressure and cholesterol.  A good omen for what was ahead.

We began our meal with the chicken and tamal plate — a green corn tamal accompanied by roasted chicken breast, cheddar cheese, avocado, serrano pepper, and arugula, brightened with a touch of lime and olive oil. With a portion large enough to share, the bold flavors of this dish became our favorite of the night. The avocado here is doing double duty: beyond its bright color and creamy texture, it’s one of the better sources of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats you’ll find on any menu — the kind that quietly improve your cholesterol profile and reduce inflammation while you’re busy enjoying dinner 

Next came the caprese sandwich, made on a housemade baguette with basil pesto, housemade fresh mozzarella, and tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. That olive oil isn’t just finishing the dish — it’s the same fat at the heart of the Mediterranean diet, long associated with cardiovascular health and longevity. At Time Market, it just happens to taste extraordinary.

We finished our meal with the beet and pistachio salad — organic spring mix, and locally sourced goat cheese, dressed with a sherry vinaigrette. A lighter dish, but no less memorable:  the creaminess of the goat cheese, the natural sweetness of the beets, and the crunch of the pistachios come together for a satisfying bite. Beets are naturally rich in nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide — a compound that relaxes blood vessels and supports healthy blood pressure.

Though known for their artful presentation, the beets and the broader menu at Time Market offer far more than looking pretty on a plate. Beneath the beautiful composition of each dish lies a thoughtful interplay of whole, locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce that support overall well-being. From vegetables that support heart health to healthy fats that can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, Time Market provides a number of menu items with nutritional value.

Community as Medicine

Community is its own form of medicine. Meaning, purpose, and belonging are not soft concepts — in integrative medicine, they are an integral part of our health and well-being. Time Market embodies this concept of community as medicine, serving as a welcoming gathering place and accessible hub where the Tucson community and students from the University of Arizona can come together. 

And when the meal is over, the neighborhood invites you to linger. A gentle walk after dinner — down University Boulevard, through the surrounding streets — is its own small act of well-being.  Gentle movement after a meal aids digestion, improves nutrient absorption, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, and can support cardiovascular health. Next time you’re at Time Market, take a walk for dessert after your meal.

Time Market is located at 444 E. University Blvd. For more information, visit timemarket.xyz.