On a 54 degree Arizona Sunday morning I had the opportunity to visit the Heirloom Farmers Market on the north side of Tucson in Rillito Regional Park. This farmers market runs year-round and features about 80 vendors selling a variety of produce, food, crafts and services.

As with most farmers markets there is a mixture of locally grown produce as well as goods that have been shipped in from another region.  Keep in mind that the locally grown produce was probably picked within the last 48 hours and will most likely be fresher. Most of these vendors welcome conversation so just check with them to be certain of the source of the produce.

No farmers market in the heart of the Sonoran desert would be complete without a vendor or two selling succulents such as cactus and agave. Locally grown succulents from a farmers market will tend to be healthier than plants purchased online or at the home improvement store where they may have been over-watered. Look for unblemished plants with a bright, healthy color. Be sure to tell the vendor what you plan to do with the plant and listen to their advice.

This was the first farmers market where I saw a service for sharpening dull knifes and scissors. I witnessed two customers dropping off items in the short time I was inspecting the vendor’s work. People arriving at the market would leave their dull items and pick them up after visiting other vendors. 

It wasn’t long before some heavenly scents wafted into my olfactory glands (I smelled food). I had already eaten a small breakfast but was drawn to a sample of Gözleme, a filled Turkish flatbread. I ended up purchasing a seasoned ground beef Gözleme and took it home for lunch. It was absolutely wonderful and made from the most simple ingredients.

I didn’t catch the name of the banjo/guitar/mandolin player at the market but he was very talented musician and a fine vocalist. He may have been working only for tips, but his banjo case was filling quickly. Be certain to toss a buck or two to these artists as you walk by. His music added so much to the overall ambiance of the event.

There was something for everyone at the Heirloom Farmers Market and this may become a Sunday morning ritual for me. The market is open 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, October-April and 8:00 AM-Noon, May-September.