Real farmer's market? / Grocery stores (Phoenix, Mesa: appointed, buying, organic)

[TransatPhD]

Hi, all, we've just moved here, been going to the Central Ave farmer's market in the past few weeks, and we've been super-disappointed with it (and with vegetable and herb buying in Phoenix generally). And the supermarkets around us seem to be really light on the veg. I love all the citrus fruit around, and you can't beat the farmer's market food trucks, but still, I really want to find cheap cabbage, freshly picked carrots, European herbs, etc.

Is there any real farmer's market around, with just a bunch of bulk fruit vegetables to buy, instead of dog biscuits and premade food and jewelry? Or maybe a couple of farm stands, however far away they are from CenPho?

So far, we've been to a bunch of Safeways and Food Citys, some AJ's Fine Foods, the central farmer's market, and Sprouts. Sprouts was nice but didn't have everything we wanted. We haven't yet tried Bashas or Fry's--are either of those good? Maybe I just don't know when the growing seasons are here.

I don't meant to be negative! I really like Phoenix so far.

[AZ Tracy]

Fry's and Bashas' are going to be the same. My vote is Sprouts, but you may also want to check out Superstition Ranch Market in east Mesa.

[SubconsciousMe]

I have the same issue with farmer's markets. Huge adjustment from other cities I have gone to farmer's markets at.

There is another farmer's market at Central/Fillmore area but it's much like the one at Central/Northern. May be worth a try if you're up for it though. I like Seacat farms (not sure if they are Northern) and Horny Toad but they are at Northern.

I know Whole Foods gets a lot of produce from local farmers. There is also a great Frys at Tatum/Shea with a Whole Foods and Trader Joes across the street. We go there for "one stop" organic...

Have you ever tried Chow Locally?

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by SubconsciousMe

I know Whole Foods gets a lot of produce from local farmers. There is also a great Frys at Tatum/Shea with a Whole Foods and Trader Joes across the street. We go there for "one stop" organic...

Excellent strategy. I do the same thing!

I also enjoy the farmer's market at Town and Country at 20th St. & Camelback every Wednesday. Alas, they also have dog treats and craft items available.

[TransatPhD]

Yes, I agree with Kimballette... The Tatum/Shea complex sounds really convenient!

Thanks for the opinion re: Bashas and Fry's. It's hard to know what's upmarket/downmarket, etc.

That's also helpful about local foods in the Whole Foods. I'll have to use them sparingly, though!

[Voebe]

How would Sunflower, in Scottsdale, compare with Sprouts?

[SubconsciousMe]

TransatPhD: Something worth mentioning. I try to avoid Whole Foods as well, largely due to price and there isn't one close to me. While the farmers would make more at local farmers markets, I've talked to many of them who said Whole Foods is their livelihood.

It is also worth mentioning certain fruits/veggies are difficult to grow here due to the climate. Finding a tomato grown in the SUN, not a greenhouse is a joke Not the farmers fault, just the environment.

Sunflower was bought by Sprouts. I see no remarkable difference now.

[SubconsciousMe]

Oh, might want to try Healthy Habit too. I don't think they carry fruits/veggies but may carry herbs.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by AZ Tracy

Fry's and Bashas' are going to be the same. My vote is Sprouts, but you may also want to check out Superstition Ranch Market in east Mesa.

This ^^^^^

[CodyW]

There are some farms on the west side that have produce stands set up during certain times of the year. There's Tolmachoff on 75th Avenue south of Bethany Home, and I believe there's one other but I'm drawing a blank.