By Claudia Flores
Through the years, Farmer’s Markets have become a popular place for many to get their fresh produce, organic beef and, even, a jar of salsa or two While most markets now run throughout the year, spring and summer are special times at farmer’s market. Peppers, chile, watermelons and tomatoes are just some of the bounty.
City Beat Magazine asked the three biggest farmer’s market in the El Paso region to give us some insight in what to expect when you visit them.
Name of market: Farmer’s Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing
Name and title: Claudia Beaver, manager
How old is the market? 18 years
The schedule: Every Saturday; 7:30 a.m. – noon May to September; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. October to April
What does the market offer: Fresh locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, lamb and goat meats, eggs, homemade jellies, bar-b-que sauce, pickles, hummus, deserts, handmade arts and crafts.
What are some of the more unusual things sold? Goat and lamb chorizo, sausage, dog bones, microgreens, baklava, German apple strudel, dessert hummus, free range turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas and CBD oils and products.
Are there actual farmers who sell at your market: Yes, 25 percent of our market is made up of local farmer’s.
Seasonal produce: Watermelon is available all summer. Corn starts on Father’s Day weekend. Tomatoes are best in mid-July through September. Green Chiles are available starting in August. Pumpkins and Squash start in late September through December. Root vegetables are ready all winter. And asparagus starts usually around March 20th.
Why does the area need a farmer’s market? Farmers markets see themselves not just as a place for farmers to showcase the stunning fruits of their labor and consumers to get the best products, but as a venue for producers and consumers of food to come together, forge relationships and exchange information. It allows the public to find the best available fresh produce and consumables to provide a healthy way of life. 
What can you say to encourage someone to visit your market? For more than 18 years, shoppers in the El Paso area have been able to find an ever-increasing selection of organic and pesticide-free produce, beef, pork, lamb and goat, fresh-baked breads and salsas from our Farmers’ Market. Every Saturday since 2001 the Farmer’s Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing has provided ultra-fresh produce, honey, and other fresh, small-batch foodstuffs, which are the hallmark (and benchmark) of the best farmers markets. We offer a variety of events throughout the year, including Kid’s Day, Touch a Truck, the Holiday Market and cooking demonstrations by Chef Patrick Rosser and more.
Name of market: Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
Name and title: Tiffany Thompson / Market Manager
How old is the market?: Since 1971
The schedule: 8:30 a.m. — 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, year round
What does the market offer: Agricultural goods: milk, honey, meat, eggs, fruit, veggies, plants, herbs; nuts prepackaged foods: breads, muffins, cookies, brittles, dips, seasonings, sauces, gluten free baked goods; food trucks: tacos, burritos, burgers, quesadillas, enchiladas, tortas, snow cones, agua frescas, lemonade, kettle corn; crafts: jewelry, woodwork, photography, bath and body, silver work, textiles, gourd art, art work, metal work, glass work, candles, furniture, sculpting, books, ceramics and pottery; services: face painting, massage, henna tattoos local musicians and entertainers and children entrepreneurs.
What are some of the more unusual things sold? Quail eggs, raw milk, and a wide variety of handmade crafts. There is one vendor that makes sculptures completely from bottle caps.
Are there actual farmers who sell at your market: Yes! We require that everyone grow, produce or make what they sell. We average 60 farmers/growers per season. We even have folks with greenhouses that produce year round.
Seasonal produce: There are cucumbers, tomatoes, greens, garlic, onions, red chile, and sprouts. Seasonally, we see peppers, melons, chile, asparagus, green beans, strawberries, carrots, radishes, apples, peaches, apricots, corn, squash, pumpkins, herbs, turnips, figs, pears, ginger, mushrooms and the list goes on. Typically, the best time to look for produce is May-September. The best time for watermelon is July and green chile is in August. Everything else varies slightly depending upon the weather.
Why does the area need a farmer’s market? Our market is a great way to get out and enjoy the community. Purchasing local goods supports our local economy. When you shop at our market, you are helping your neighbors. There are also many benefits to purchasing food locally. The money actually stays within the community, the product is typically more nutritious and you build a relationship with the folks growing your food.
What can you say to encourage someone to visit your market? Honestly, it is a one of a kind market. Walking through our market is a full experience that surpasses expectations.
Name of market: El Paso Downtown Art and Farmers Market
Name and title: Lucero Duran, Downtown Art and Farmers Market Coordinator
How old is the market?: The market began in 2011 as a small art market for local artists to sell their handcrafted items. In 2014 the market expanded to allow local food cottage items and farmers to participate. This doubled the size of the market and allowed for a further reach of vendors and customers. As of then it has been the Art AND Farmers Market.
The schedule: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays year round.
What does the market offer: It offers a great array of items and experiences. Every Saturday one can find homemade items including arts and crafts like crochet items, sculptures, canvas art, framed photographs of our landscapes and local El Paso shirts and merchandise. You can find everything you would need to open a spa, from handcrafted bar soap to beard oils, CBD lotions and bath bombs. We have nothing short of incredible food, from vegan meal preps and foods to any baked goods you can think of. We have plenty of agricultural items, such as cage free eggs, seasonal produce, honey, beef and permaculture items for your own garden. We also offer a little food truck garden with tasty meals which use local ingredients.
What are some of the more unusual things sold? Everything is unique and most things are one of a kind, since nothing is mass produced. Think of the market as an El Paso gift shop where you can find anything El Paso related. You can also find something for your furry ones; crochet dog bonnets, more than 80 types. Jerky made with all types of items including beets and mushrooms. Upcycled furniture, one of a kind succulents, coffee in a bag and free crafts for kids, something you can find every Saturday.
Are there actual farmers who sell at your market: Of course! It wouldn’t be a farmers market without our hardworking agricultural workers. We have a great partnership with “La Semilla,” who brings out its mobile farmers market weekly. The mobile market is a mobile farmer co-op which allows farmers to maximize their crops and attend several markets at a time. It offers a colorful array of produce including fruits and veggies that are in season. They also have beef, lamb, and goat meat that is USDA certified organic. We also have a few urban farmers who have learned to work with indoor and urban settings. These farmers are growing produce using recycled water and minimal space. You can find greens and micro greens at their stands. Eggs and seasonal produce can be found throughout the market from farmers that travel all the way from Fort Hancock to go to the market.
Seasonal produce: Spring and summer seasons are definitely the best times to have extensive produce choices, including, squash, melons, chile, cucumbers, eggs, potatoes, onions and tomatoes. All of the mentioned produce is easily grown in the region. Fall is the time for pumpkins and corn. Winter is time for greens and root veggies, but it is also a time for preparing the soil and greenhouse for the following seasons harvest. During this time a lot of farmers find other avenues to use their leftover produce such as pickling veggies and making jams which can be shelf stable for months.
Why does the area need a farmer’s market? The market is a great environment to help your local community makers and creators thrive. Many of the individuals who started at the market now have stand-alone businesses including Savage Goods, Bella Cora, Sweet Addiction among others. The market is also a great way to support your environment by shopping straight from the source. Our market resides in a food desert, which means that there is no grocery stores within a mile from it. This improves the quality of life for the residents and workers that reside and make a living in the area. It is a place to shop for healthy food alternatives and fruits and veggies.
What can you say to encourage someone to visit your market?: I can simply say that the market is a community driven family-friendly space for anyone. We are happy to be located in Downtown El Paso near so many great venues such as the Museum of Art and History. With over 60 vendors you can find one of a kind items while helping your local economy. Remember that buying local allows your neighbors to buy their first car or pay for school. The environment also benefits due to less emissions being sent out to the environment.