Where to pick up the freshest flavors

Great farmers’ markets in Arizona and New Mexico
Douglas Merriam
Check out what's in season at these farmers' markets.

Las Cruces, NM
Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market.
Downtown’s outdoor mall fills with up to 133 vendors. Spring brings a bumper crop of broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and spinach. 8-12:30 Wed and Sat. At the downtown mall north of Las Cruces Ave.; 505/541-2288.

Phoenix
Vincent’s Camelback Market.
Chef-owner Vincent Guerithault grills panini outside his bistro for shoppers buying cheese, olives, vinegars, organic vegetables, and herbs. Don’t miss the omelets. 9-1 Sat. At Vincent’s on Camelback, 3930 E. Camelback Rd.; 602/224-0225.

Phoenix
Roadrunner Park Farmers Market.
Growers have gathered under the park’s Aleppo pines since 1990 to offer asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, and turnips, plus bread, eggs, granola, honey, and wild salmon. 8-12 Sat. 3501 E. Cactus Rd.; 623/848-1234.

Phoenix
Maya’s at the Farm.
Organic gardens at the Farm at South Mountain provide produce for Quiessence restaurant plus a bounty sold directly to the public. In spring, find flowers, herbs, lettuces, and tomatoes, as well as salsas and bread. 9-1 Sat. 6106 S. 32nd St.; 602/276-6360.

Santa Fe
Santa Fe Farmers Market.
Look for everything from raspberry-red chile jam to pueblo-raised bison steaks. 9-1 Sat before Apr 29; El Museo Cultural, 1615 Paseo de Peralta. 7-noon Sat starting Apr 29; Railyard Park, Cerrillos Rd. 505/983-4098.

Keep Reading: