Citizen Staff Writer
Side dish
Ah, Tucson’s fall is in the air. (Officially, it starts in Sunday’s wee hours.)
We can stop dreading triple-digit temperatures and overnight lows are in the low 70s, which means pleasant mornings to go peruse products at Tucson- area farmers markets.
Here is a list of the markets going on. Note that the Market on the Mall is back in business and that some farmers markets change hours starting next month.
TASTE PLUS
THURSDAY
SANTA CRUZ RIVER FARMERS’ MARKET: One of the Community Food Bank-run markets, this weekly one also accepts food stamps, but it is more geared toward the general public and has a wider variety of foods. It will change its hours starting Oct. 6. When: 4-7 p.m. Where: Speedway Boulevard at Riverside Avenue Info: 622-0525
TUBAC FARMERS’ MARKET: “Chiles for Fall” is the theme of the market’s Sept. 20 event with many vendors offering chile-related items. Plaza de Anza businesses, including Nob Hill Gourmet Market and Fine Dining and The Artist’s Palate Restaurant, also will have festivals. The Latin band Cool Breeze will perform. When: 5-8 p.m.; regular hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: 50 Avenida Goya Info: 520-398-1010 Directions: From Tucson, take Interstate 19 south to exit 34, go east to the Frontage Road, then north to Plaza de Anza
FRIDAY
MARKET ON THE MALL: Meats, cheese, honey, salsa, American Indian food, fruits, vegetables, artisan breads, coffee, locally produced items and samples from several restaurants will be available as the University of Arizona-sponsored farmers market resumes its season on the UA Mall. UA departments will hand out nutrition information. Market on the Mall is held Fridays through Dec. 14, except for Nov. 2. When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: 1303 E. University Blvd. Info: 621-4550 Directions: In front of Old Main and Student Union buildings
SATURDAY
THE STATION: This small co-op in Oracle hosts a farmers market every Saturday. The co-op, which also has a biodiesel pump and espresso bar, offers seasonal, locally grown, uncertified-organic produce. When: 9 a.m.-noon Where: 1395 W. American Ave. Info: 520-896-9005
PLAZA PALOMINO FOOD FAIRE: Southwestern specialties such as tamales, salsa and pastries are the name of the game here every Saturday. When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: 2970 N. Swan Road Info: 320-6344
RINCON VALLEY FARMERS MARKET: In addition to fresh produce, you’ll find crafts and holistic pet items here every Saturday. When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: 12500 E. Old Spanish Trail Info: 591-2276
ORO VALLEY FARMERS MARKET: Here every Saturday, you’ll find organic fruits and veggies, as well as flowers and aromatherapy. When: 8 a.m.-noon Where: 11000 N. La Cañada Drive Info: 793-8344
SUNDAY
ST. PHILIP’S PLAZA FARMERS MARKET: This weekly market is Tucson’s biggest and just changed its seasonal hours. When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: 4380 N. Campbell Ave. Info: 793-8344
TUESDAY
COMMUNITY FOOD BANK FARMERS MARKET: The other Food Bank farmers markets, this one every Tuesday, accepts food stamps and caters to Food Bank customers, but the public is welcome. When: 8 a.m.-noon Where: 3003 S. Country Club Road Info: 622-0525
WEDNESDAY
ORIGINAL DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET: Fresh fruits and vegetables and arts and crafts from local artists When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Jácome Plaza (in front of the Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.) Info: 326-7810
• Read our May 30 cover story on local, organic products at tucsoncitizen.com/ss/taste/53006.