Long days and school vacation tell us that summer is here. Summer is a great time to visit a Tucson area farmers market, to browse the displays of local fruits and vegetables. Many farmer’s markets also have cheese, flowers, plants, honey and other locally-grown delicacies. It’s fun to know a little bit more about where a your food comes from. Knowing the source of the eggs for your omelette or the berries in your tart might make it taste even more delicious!

“Pick Your Own” Farms

If you are willing to roll up your sleeves, a visit to a pick-your-own farm in Arizona can be lots of fun. This is a family-friendly way to burn off some energy, enjoy a day outside, and come home with a just-picked treat. If your taste runs to fresh vegetables, tomatoes and corn are usually available beginning mid-June and into July. Check online, or ask farmers for recipes that use the fresh fare.

Tucson Village Farm

Tucson Village Farm (part of the Arizona University Agricultural Extension Program) has lots of food-related fun. You can schedule a child’s birthday party during some summer months, pick up seeds to help with their Take and Make seed packet program, or help harvest goodies on some Tuesday afternoons.