Phoenix farmers markets: Downtown, Saturday hours and summer

Phoenix grows food all year, and its farmers markets follow a calendar that is the reverse of most of the country. The busiest, most pleasant season is winter and spring, when citrus, greens and root vegetables are plentiful and the weather is perfect. In summer, markets shift to early morning hours or move indoors, and some close. If you are used to a market that runs from May to October, expect a different rhythm. Here is how Valley markets work and how to plan a visit. Schedules shift with the season, so check each market's own page before you go.

What is the Downtown Phoenix Public Market?

The Downtown Phoenix Public Market is the best-known market in the city center, with farmers, bakers and food vendors in a Saturday market. It runs on Saturday mornings, with shorter, earlier hours in summer, and its location and schedule have changed over the years. Check the Phoenix Public Market's website for the current place and times.

What changes in summer?

Summer markets start early because of the heat, and shoppers leave by mid-morning. Some Valley markets close in July and August, while others stay open with reduced hours, and local news has published lists of markets that stay open for the summer. Check before you go. Shade, water and misters help. Buy early, and keep cold items in a cooler.

What is in season?

Phoenix has two growing seasons. The cool season, from October to May, brings citrus, leafy greens, carrots, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, peas and strawberries. The warm season brings melons, tomatoes, peppers, okra, squash and dates. Desert specialties include prickly pear, mesquite and local honey. Ask vendors what is at its peak, because the weather moves the dates.

What other markets are in the Valley?

Gilbert has a farmers market of its own. Other cities, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Glendale, each have their own markets on different days. Farm stands and u-pick orchards in Queen Creek and Gilbert open for seasons. Many markets share vendors, so the same farmer may be at two markets on different days. Look at the market list for your nearest city.

What can you eat at the market?

Most markets have food vendors selling breakfast burritos, tamales, pastries, coffee, fresh juices, tacos and lunches. Some have live music. Eat at the market for a cheap and varied breakfast, then shop for the week. Bring cash for small vendors, and ask about samples.

How do you shop well?

• Go early for the best selection, and late for discounts.
• Walk the whole market before you buy.
• Ask about growing methods if you care about them.
• Bring bags and a cooler.
• Buy what is in season, and ask how to cook it.
• Try something unfamiliar each week.

What about parking and getting there?

Downtown Phoenix has paid lots and street parking, and light rail runs nearby. Suburban markets have large free lots that fill on busy days. Bring a wagon if you plan to buy a lot. Summer mornings are comfortable if you arrive early.

Are the markets accessible?

Many Valley markets are on pavement or packed ground, which suits strollers and wheelchairs, but crowds can make movement slow. Ask the market organizers for accessible parking and routes.

What about eating dates and citrus?

Dates grow in the desert near Yuma and the Salt River valley and are harvested in late summer and fall. Citrus fruit trees fill neighborhoods, and winter markets sell oranges, grapefruit, lemons and tangerines. Taste before you buy, and ask about varieties.

How do you cook what you buy?

Ask the farmer. Most are happy to describe how to use a vegetable you do not know, from roasting dates to preserving citrus. Simple methods work best: roast, grill or eat raw. Citrus can be juiced and frozen, and herbs keep well in water in the refrigerator. A market haul is the easiest way to learn what the desert grows.

What are the best times to go?

In the cool season, any morning is pleasant, and the best selection is in the first hour. In summer, go at opening. Holiday weekends in winter bring large crowds, so arrive early or go in the afternoon for a calmer walk. Weekday markets are smaller but easier, and the vendors have more time to talk.

Are prices at markets higher than at the grocery store?

Sometimes, for organic or specialty items, but often not for fruit and vegetables in season. Prices at the stall pay the farmer directly, and freshness is usually better. Compare a few items over several weeks. Prepared foods and baked goods usually cost more than at a supermarket but taste fresher, and buying them at the market supports a small business.

How do you remember what you bought?

A market haul can fill a notebook with flavors. Mosey is a food-first app where diners find places by dish, mood and neighborhood and rate what they actually ate. A rating for each pastry or tamale you try on a market morning helps you remember what to buy next week.

More guides to read next:

• Central Avenue, Melrose and Arcadia: Phoenix restaurants by neighborhood
• Eating out in Arizona: summer heat, winter visitors and spring training
• Phoenix food guide: Sonoran hot dogs, chimichangas and Sonoran Mexican food

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