Fruits of Labor

BY VALERIE VINYARD Tucson-area farmers markets tend to have a little bit of everything.

Besides the bounty of vegetables, fruits and local meats, stalls feature incense, jewelry, clothing and even vacation packages. It can feel a little like a swap meet instead of a place where locals lovingly sell food.

In fact, it sometimes can be diffi cult to fi nd the fruits and vegetables many have come to expect.

Thom Shandy, a Tucson high school science teacher, enjoys the variety of available merchandise. At the St. Philip’s Farmers Market, he recently purchased a metal sculpture of a saguaro cactus for his yard.

“I got a good deal on it,” says Shandy, who visits farmers markets a couple of times a month. “I would have had to drive down to Mexico to get something similar.”

Shandy, however, prefers the food over the skin care products, leatherwork and pet supplies.

“The food is so fresh and usually organic,” he says. “You might pay a little more, but it’s nice to know where the food comes from.”

More than a dozen farmers markets take place each week in Tucson and its surrounding communities—although some have taken a break during the coronavirus pandemic. Most take place on Saturdays or Sundays, although smaller markets take place on other days.

Though the prices of produce might be higher than what you’d fi nd at a gro

Market tips Arrive early The best selection and the most popular items tend to sell quickly. Dog policies Most markets allow wellbehaved dogs but use a short leash (no retractable ones), and only one dog per handler. Bring cash Many vendors accept credit cards, but you can’t go wrong with cash. Also, people on SNAP/EBT might be able to take advantage of the cery store, keep in mind that the produce at farmers markets can last longer than store-bought products. Plus, you’re more likely to know the history of the food you’re purchasing, and you feel good buying from a small business.

Oro Valley Farmers Market Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays heirloomfm.org

Located at the base of the Catalina Mountains’ Pusch Ridge, the Oro Valley Farmers Market has been around since 2004.

This well-organized market showcases local farmers who off er vegetables, fruits and grass-fed beef and pork. Like most larger markets, this sprawling market features live entertainment.

Mara Valenzuela, who lives in Midtown Tucson, likes the Oro Valley market because of its proximity to some of her family.

“I visit my tia a lot, so I like to go to the market and buy something before I visit,” says Valenzuela, who is partial to farm-fresh eggs and grass-fed beef. “This market is pretty laid-back and has a fun atmosphere.”

Rillito Park Farmers Market 4502 N. First Avenue 8 a.m. to noon Sundays April through September heirloomfm.org

Located off First Avenue and River Road and on the southeast side of Rillito

Double Your Dollar$ Program on fruits and veggies. Be open You might see an unusuallooking vegetable or fruit. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Vendors usually love to discuss their wares, and you’re likely to learn something. Ask questions If you only want to buy from actual farmers, some of the markets give “Get Real Certifi cation” fl ags for farmers to post at their stalls. If there’s no fl ag, it can’t hurt to ask the history of the food you’re interested in buying.

Park Racetrack’s parking lot, this location is billed as Tucson’s largest year-round farmers market.

This market is for people who want more of an event rather than just an opportunity to pick up some oranges or chiles. The rows of vendors are more orderly than most markets, making it easier not to miss anything if you simply follow the lines of people. There aren’t errant stalls tucked off to the side like other markets, although happening upon a tuckedaway vendor can be fun.

Because this is a large market, it has a number of farmers, ranchers and artisan food purveyors featuring local produce and fresh cuisine. You can enjoy some Salvadoran cuisine while listening to a folksy duo play music. Unlike some farmers markets, there are shade pavilions and public restrooms. Rillito Park also off ers quarterly chef demonstrations and seasonal food events.

Parking isn’t an issue, as attendees have the expansive parking lot that usually is reserved for people attending the horse races.

Michael Greentree, a 22-year-old ASU student, was home visiting his parents for the weekend. As a self-proclaimed foodie, he and his parents sometimes go to farmers markets to buy food from local farmers.

“We like buying local and trying new things,” he says. “It’s kind of cool to get cooking tips and suggestions from people.”

St. Philip’s Plaza Artisan Farmers Market 4280 N. Campbell Ave. 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays St. Philip’s is the granddaddy of farmers

11APRIL 2020 | markets in Tucson, both in age and quantity of vendors.

This market, which takes place weekend mornings, doesn’t seem to be organized in any particular way, which is part of the fun. This is the market is where you might stumble upon a hard-to-see vendor that’s tucked away. Wend your way through the booths, which are manned by dozens of local artisans plying bread, baked goods and gifts. There aren’t as many vendors selling local produce as you’ll fi nd at some others, but there are a few. You’ll also notice face painting, sometimes a chair massage station and a knife sharpening station near the “band,” a singing guitarist.

For those who don’t want to eat at a traditional restaurant, there are tamales, tacos, burritos or pulled pork available from food stalls.

Parking can be tricky, as other businesses in the plaza are operating, too. For example, you could stop in for brunch at Reforma Modern Mexican and, afterward, check out Arizona Wine Collective for a tasting or to buy wines or beer created around the state.

Claire Fooseman, a self-described snowbird from Minnesota, prefers St. Philip’s market over the others. She and her 10-pound poodle mix were wandering the market on a recent Sunday.

“I’ve been coming here for years, so I guess it’s partly tradition,” says Fooseman, who was carrying a reusable bag to transport her fruits and vegetables. “I feel like I’ve gotten to know a few of the vendors, and they know what I like, which is great.

“Farmers markets are perfect for picky people who want fresh, quality products.”