Inside Arizona: Farmers Markets

Staying healthy is part of being an active traveler. How else can we plan energy-packed excursions to enjoy with friends and family like the ones I write about weekly? We need energy.

Today I discuss the fun and food we can enjoy at local farmers markets across the Valley. For generations, the diverse geography of Arizona has allowed its farmers to cultivate a variety of fruits and vegetables. Farmers markets all over the state bring the best of these crops directly to you.

Generally the producers are small local growers or farmers. The typical farming method is pesticide-free or organic. The size of farms range from large backyards to a few hundred acres. Other participants are cottage industry producers of things such as jellies, honeys, baked goods and other food items, and in some markets, arts and crafts.

Come experience the vibrant colors, the smell of freshly harvested produce, the joyful sounds of an outdoor community market and the juicy taste of the season’s finest fruits and vegetables with me. Participants in the following markets are required to be direct producers, family members or agents of producers from Arizona:

• The Scottsdale Old Town Farmers Market has tried something new this year and moved the market underground to the covered parking area below the current site. Starting on Saturday, signs above ground directed shoppers to find the new location at Brown and First Street. Below ground, there’s lighting, ventilating fans and cooling fans to make the experience comfortable. The summer hours are 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• This summer, the Arizona Community Farmers Markets are co-sponsoring a special Twilight Farmers Market at the Citadelle Plaza at 59th Avenue and Utopia Road in Glendale. The Citadelle caters to independently owned businesses and looks to be a good match for the farmers market. The market will run on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9p.m. for the next eight weeks.

• The Mesa Community Farmers Market, at Center Street just south of University Drive, began its summer hours on May 8 and is currently open 9 a.m. to noon every Friday.

• The Ahwatukee Market, 4700 E. Warner Road in Phoenix, has also begun summer hours, 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday.

• The Downtown Chandler Farmers Market began summer hours in mid-May and is currently open Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park.

• The Roadrunner Park Farmers Market, 3502 E. Cactus Road in Phoenix, starts its summer schedule in June and will be open 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday.

• The Town and Country Market, 2021 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix, remains open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• The Downtown Phoenix Public Market, 721 N. Central Ave., is open two days a week, regardless of weather. It always opens at 8 a.m. Saturdays and closes by noon in the summer. Wednesday nights it is open 4 to 8.

Market tips

Come early: For the best selection of produce, come early in the morning and bring change and small bills for the vendors. Ask the grower what’s new and how do they use their product (any recipes?). Bring your own bags: Some growers recycle shopping bags also. Stay cool: Bring a cooler to keep the produce fresh until it gets home. It’s summer in Arizona so wear cool clothes, a hat and sunscreen. Also bring drinking water.