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Summer Heats Up At The Farmers Market

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, early in the morning with the pre-dawn glow in the sky, Heirloom Farmers Markets come to life.  The vendors slowly start to appear, loaded down with the day’s freshest vegetables, fruits, breads and assorted products. The transition from winter to summer is quite different here than in other cities and towns across the country.  As other farmers markets are just returning  from a winter hiatus, we are moving into a time of year when the summer heat is just beginning. In Tucson, the mercury rises over 100 degrees.  So, what does this mean to Heirloom Farmers Markets?  Vendors bring lots of water, shade, fans and sunscreen to the market and customers start arriving in the early morning hours, starting at 8am when the temperatures are still in the 90’s, a habit I would highly recommend.

Yet even with the rising temperatures, our growers are able to provide a bounty different than what you see in other towns because our growing season is year-round.   The summer offerings are here with the introduction of the freshest apricots, peaches, basil, tomatoes, summer squash and cucumbers.  Plus, don’t forget the Dads in your life with ranch-raised steaks, pork and lamb for Father’s Day celebrations.  Add some sweet AZ grown stone-fruit to that grill and you’ve got a special summer bbq dish!

So, when you are packing your car to venture to the market, make sure that you bring:

  • Cooler with Ice
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat, sunglasses
  • A shopping list
  • Reusable totes, insulated bags are a bonus!
  • Water for drinking

With temperatures on the rise, our true mission remains one of sustainability. Sustainability, in general terms, is the ability to maintain balance of a certain process or state in any system — what that means is that we — the farmers, ranchers, backyard growers and small businesses — will continue to provide Tucson with the freshest and locally grown produce even in 100 degree heat, see you at the market!

Shop our 3 markets all-year long! Summer hours 8am – noon: