This Palm Springs Life Magazine article, by Madeline Ewles, claims that the Coachella Valley’s more than 350 days of sunshine per year, combined with water from the Colorado River, make this one of the most prolific agricultural regions in the country and the reason that local farmers markets are filled with delicious produce year-round.
The Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and La Quinta Certified Farmers Markets have specific requirements that vendors be inspected and certified by their county Department of Agriculture office. Many follow organic principles, such as utilizing natural predators to control destructive pests, eliminating the need for chemical insecticides that can remain in the soil for years.
Up to 30 merchants participate in each market, offering an array of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables. This fall/winter, keep your eyes peeled for apples, persimmons, pumpkins, winter squashes, and pomegranates.
The local farmers market scene offers much more than seasonal crops. In addition to the farms, markets also feature vendors who make artisanal foods by using farmers market produce in their products.
Here is the schedule of the local certified farmers markets.
OUTDOOR MARKETS PALM SPRINGS
Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
2300 E. Baristo Road (Outside Camelot Theaters)
LA QUINTA
Sundays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
78100 Main St. (in Old Town La Quinta)
PALM DESERT
Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m.
72559 Highway 111 (outside the Chamber of Commerce)
Please use the following link to read the article and view the accompanying pictures: http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/Desert-Guide/November-2015/Bountiful-Valley/