Farmers’ Market Fall Favorites in New Mexico

By October 1, 2026News

There is no better place to experience fall than at your local farmers’ market. As temperatures get cooler and holidays are around the corner, local farmers and ranchers have you covered. Start those hearty fall meals, get out your family’s pie or posole recipe, and celebrate fall in New Mexico with our list of favorites.

  • Pumpkins: Nothing says fall like pumpkins on our doorstep. While you can pick up cheap pumpkins at just about any grocery store these days, we recommend keeping it local. Pumpkins grow really well in our state, which means they’re traveling less and have less environmental impact. Spending your money on local pumpkins supports a small business and keeps money in our local economy. If you’re planning to cook with pumpkins, look for local varieties grown with fewer chemicals and pesticides than those grown conventionally. 
  • Roots and Winter Squash: Winter squashes and root vegetables come in so many more varieties than you see at traditional grocery stores. Have you tried a sweet dumpling, red curi, or carnival squash? How about a purple potato, white carrot, or orange beet? You can find these unique varieties, as well as tried and true favorites for any recipe.
  • Fruits: It’s apple and pear season, but did you know that many local food outlets also offer jujubes? They have a flavor similar to apples and can be used fresh or dried. Some outlets will also have berries and melons as the seasons turn. 
  • Ristras: Ristras are traditional arrangements of chile peppers put together to hang and dry for later use. In New Mexico, ristras are often used as decoration and sprayed with chemicals to preserve the decorative aspect longer. However, at farmers’ markets and local food outlets, farmers also offer ristras as they were traditionally intended: to eat. 
  • Holidays: With Halloween and DĂ­a de los Muertos at the end of the month, it’s a great time to look for local foods to bring to parties, celebrations, and feast days. Many farmers’ markets carry fresh and dried flowers for any decorating needs. Also be sure to browse local farmers and makers for unique gift ideas.