Shopping Tips

Here are some ideas for getting the most out of your visit to the farmers' market!

• Go to the market early to get the best selection of produce

• Walk around the market and see what's available first, so that you can compare prices, products and quality.

• If you don't know what an item is, ask the farmer!

• Farmers are great sources of information about how to prepare different foods.

• Ask for samples - most vendors will be glad to let you taste their products.

• Bring change and bills of smaller denominations to make shopping fast and easy.

• An ice chest will keep your perishables fresh until you get home.

• Be eco-conscious, and bring your own plastic or canvas bags, or baskets.

• Take your time to enjoy the market! Farmers' markets are a great gathering place for friends and families.

Shopping tips • Seasonal Produce • Special Programs

At New Mexico's farmers' and growers' markets, you can buy food and other farm products directly from the people who have grown, raised or gathered them. Each market is unique, reflecting the particular character of local cultures, soils and climate. Most of our markets are open seasonally, from early or late summer through late fall. Four markets (Santa Fe, the Village of Los Ranchos in Albuquerque, Los Alamos and Las Cruces) are now open year-round.

SEASONAL PRODUCE

Here are some samplings of what is available and when. For a more detailed list of fruits, nuts and vegetables, see our Harvest Calendar.

Lots of other Goodies throughout the Season

Freshly baked breads and pies, organically-raised chicken and turkey, range-fed lamb and beef, goats' milk cheeses and yogurts, jams, jellies, honey, pecans, pistachios, dried fruits, salsas, relishes, native landscaping plants and vegetable starts for you home and garden, fresh-cut flowers and bouquets, herbal soaps, lotions, and tinctures can be found at many markets.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS AT NEW MEXICO FARMERS' MARKETS

WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Our farmers' markets are proud participants in the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. Women and young children who may not be getting good nutrition, receive special checks to spend on fresh produce direct from farmers at farmers' markets around our state. This program not only helps women and children to eat better, but helps farmers by bringing new customers to the markets and increasing sales. It's also an extremely effective real-life education program - by introducing participants to our markets, they can taste a variety of new foods, and learn how to use them. It's a win-win program for everybody!

Festive Events
The markets feature a host of colorful and fun events for the whole family! You'll find music, dance, childrens' games and learning activities, raffles, canning and cooking demonstrations, gardening experts to consult with, book-readings, chef's visits and more - all related to food and farming. Check out the schedule on our events page. Some events may not be listed yet, so do call the market you will be visiting to get the most up-to-date information.