Where Local Flavors Flourish
Every Saturday morning, beginning at 8 am, the Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market brings local farmers and vendors together to showcase the fruits of their labor. The market features farm fresh fruits and vegetables and artisan food products. Other items include herbs, cheese, pastries, honey, nuts, olive oil, and fresh-cut flowers.
From October through May, the market is outdoors at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, which also helps sponsor the event. In warmer months (June - Sept.), it moves indoors to the Palm Springs Pavilion (401 S. Pavilion Way), just a couple of blocks away.
Community-Based
Palm Springs has such a really wonderful and vibrant community,” declares Lauren Wolfer, Program Director of the Cultural Center. And here we have just a gorgeous, fabulous, international resort destination. But at our core, it is a small town, and you really feel that experience at the Farmers’ Market. We have just a fantastic customer base. People really treat our market like a grocery store. They come every week, and they have their favorite farmers and their vendors, and they really support us.”
Community is a two-way street, and the Certified Farmers’ Market collaborates brilliantly with the many organizations that fall under its loving umbrella.
“As a nonprofit, we support other nonprofits,” says Kari. “We invite others to come and table during our Saturday Farmers’ Market event. So you can meet the vector organization from the city or the Master Gardeners to answer questions.”
Chiming in pleasantly, Lauren continues, “Any money that is spent at the Farmers’ Market, anytime you choose to buy your groceries at a Farmers’ Market, you are directly putting money in the hands of the people who made your food and getting to meet the person who’s directly responsible for growing or raising your food. And that keeps that money here in the community. Not only does that have really profound ecological benefits, but it really strengthens those community ties. Everybody eats.”
More Than Fruits & Veggies
The Palm Springs Certified Farmers' Markets is mostly comprised of small family farms from all over the region. They produce some of the freshest, most nutritious produce that’s available in the region.
But if you’re thinking that the weekly event is merely a collection of fruits and vegetables, think again! “We offer fish,” announces On-Site Farmers’ Market Manager Kari Kalinich.
Vendor Highlights
Robynn Joy Company - Robyn makes really exquisite candles and bath and body products. She also has remarkable nut brittles and toffee that are made with a special recipe to make them non-GMO. Most others are made with corn syrup, which is a big GMO product. She also has this really amazing candy that she’s developed specifically for the Palm Springs Farmers’ Market customers.
Credit: Robynn Joy
Arriola’s Tortilleria - Did you know Arriola’s is Southern California’s oldest tortilleria? This local favorite has been featured on KCRW’s Good Food for their exceptional tortillas and tamales. Don’t miss the classic beef tamales with red salsa, but they are also big fans of the queso and green chili variety! Enjoy them hot at the Palm Springs Farmers' Market or take home a dozen for an easy weeknight meal.
Olive Oil- The number one most-requested product is finally back at the Market thanks to Branch and Vine, a family company offering first-press olive oils direct from Napa and barrel-aged vinegar infused with California-sourced produce. Use them in your favorite recipes or drizzle them on any dish just before serving for a significant flavor boost.
Farm Fresh Pickles & Jam - What’s more traditional than farm fresh canning? The Farm Stand Oak Hills preserves local small farm produce at peak flavor for you to enjoy all year long without the addition of artificial preservatives. Their delicious jams, jellies, pickles, relishes, and salsas will transport you to a simpler time.
Soap and Skincare Refill Station - Eliminate excess waste and packaging from your life with It Refills’ sustainable collection of handmade vegan, cruelty-free skincare, haircare, and cleaning products. You can bring any empty container with a lid to be refilled or purchase a new container to get started. Its refills make it easy to go green.
New Blooms - This is a new flower farm based right here in the Coachella Valley. You’ll swoon over their market bouquets composed of freshly cut roses, sunflowers, zinnia, and even fresh herbs. Come early to snag one of their jumbo-size sunflowers before they sell out.
Dry Beans - Another market newcomer, Ian’s Farm has several varieties on offer, including Navy, Peruvian, Red Kidney, and White Cannellini. All just in time for those delicious and hardy fall soups and stews. Ian’s Farm also brings an abundance of locally grown, pesticide-free produce grown in neighboring Ontario.
Keeping It Seasonal
In late summer through fall, enjoy a wide range of apples. Apricots are more abundant in late spring through early summer. Artichokes, spring, and again early fall. Arugula is available all year but is best in spring and fall.
“In the summertime, different farmers will have beautiful stone fruit, beautiful melons,” swoons Lauren. “We have fresh corn. All of these seasons are short, so folks need to hurry in because that’s part of its beauty. Something will come into ripen and be brought to market, and then that might be for a few weeks. But we have fantastic gourmet mushrooms that are grown here in the Coachella Valley.”
Many resorts in Palm Springs include kitchenettes if you are so included, to stir up a colorful and fresh meal. Others have refrigerators, allowing you to create healthy salads or stock up on local fruit for a later snack. Fresh-baked bread and artisan cheeses also make a great packed lunch to enjoy at the new downtown park.