A Beginner’s Guide To Navigating Your Local Farmers Market
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As warmer temperatures begin to set in, our peak produce seasons are here. Finally, it’s time to bite into juicy strawberries, decorate your space with fresh flowers, or spice up your dishes with fresh peppers. What better place to find all of these than at your local farmers market!
As fun as farmers markets can be, navigating them for the first time can be overwhelming–but with these five tips you’ll be shopping like a seasoned pro.
Why You Should Support Your Local Farmers Market
Before you start learning the ins and outs of shopping at your local produce market, it’s important to understand why you should support them. Shopping at a farmers market has several benefits. Here are just a few reasons why you should take that trip!
You’re Supporting Your Community
When you buy produce from the grocery store, the average farmer only receives a small percentage of every dollar spent on food. By shopping locally, you’re supporting family farms instead of major corporations. And, you’re keeping your money closer to your own neighborhood!
You Can Explore New Foods
Most farmers love trying out new seeds and techniques, which results in deliciously unique goods for you to taste. Don’t be afraid to spice up your shopping list with something new! Whether it’s a beautiful purple heirloom tomato to creamed honey, the farmers market has so many hidden treasures waiting for you.
You Can Find The Best Produce In Season
Just like zodiac signs, every food has a season. The fruits and vegetables found at a local farmers market are typically grown and harvested in their peak season, unlike the produce you find at the grocery store that is harvested year-round. Waiting until a fruit or vegetable is in season can affect how your food tastes. Seasonal produce from your local farmers often has more time to ripen naturally on the vine, and in turn, has a better taste and more nutrients.
You Get To Know Your Food
You get more than just a pint of berries when you shop at your farmers market. You also get the chance to connect with the farmer that grew your food. This is the time to really get to know the origins of your food–from how it was grown to learning if your goods were farmed organically or traditionally. Little details–like the quality of soil the plant was grown in and the farming practices used–can make a huge difference on how much more flavorful and nutritious your produce is.
Many farmers will also have recommendations on new and unique ways to prepare their food. Not only is this beneficial to expand your personal box of recipes, but you can also ask for tips on cooking with an item that you may not be familiar with.
Before You Go
Before you head out the door to go to your local farmers market, make sure you’re prepared with the essentials.
Arrive Prepared: What You Should Bring To Your Local Farmer’s Market
Don’t forget the cash! Many vendors won’t have the means to accept card payments or large bills. Before you arrive, make sure you have plenty of small bills to cover your estimated total costs, plus a little extra for the hidden treasures you find as you stroll through the stalls.
As you walk through a produce market, the last thing you want is to juggle your delicate goods. While some vendors may have bags available, they will likely be flimsy plastic bags that can break at the sight of a little weight. Instead, opt in for a more sustainable option, and bring your own big canvas tote bag or a woven basket that can withstand all of your finds.
While you’re spending time at the market, you’ll want to make sure that your produce stays fresh, especially if you’re purchasing perishables like milk or meat. To help your goods stay chilled, consider bringing an insulated cooler bag. This will also allow you to spend more time shopping and socializing with local farmers.
Do Your Research
The produce that’s in season at your local farmers market varies depending on what growing region you’re located in. While it’s possible to find fresh fruits and vegetables at the grocery store year-round, produce has a better taste and offers more nutrients when you wait until its peak growing season. Before you make your list and head out, do your research or talk to a local farmer to find out which fruits and vegetables are in season in your region so that you don’t miss out.
You should also research how to pick the perfect produce before you go, as each family of fruits and vegetables is unique. While it’s easy to determine if the apple you’re picking up is fresh and flavorful, other produce can be tricky—like avocados.
Here’s a hint: The sweetest watermelon smells slightly sweet and has a creamy yellow spot that indicates it’s spent more time ripening on its vine.
Have A List, But Try New Things
While it’s a good practice to make a list and stick with it when you’re shopping at your regular grocery store, the farmers market is the perfect place to stray away from lists and explore new foods. Many vendors offer a variety of goods beyond freshly-harvested produce. From colorful fruits to fresh-baked breads and jams to bouquets of flowers and plant starts, try to browse all of the stalls before you leave. You might even find a new favorite treat!
While You’re Shopping
Beat The Crowds & Go Early
Many farmers markets open early in the morning and run until early afternoon or until the produce runs out. To beat the crowds and to get the best selection, try to get to the market around opening time.
Browse Before You Buy
Don’t purchase the first pint of strawberries you see! Before you start shopping, browse each stall to see what’s being offered and at what price. Since the produce available depends on what’s currently in season, many vendors will offer the same types of fruits and vegetables for different qualities, quantities, and price points. While the first vendor you come across might be selling a pound of tomatoes for $6, the vendor at the end of the row may also be selling the same amount of tomatoes for less. By taking a stroll through the market before you buy, you can ensure that you’re not only getting the best quality, but also the best deal.
Take advantage of free samples! Many vendors may also offer samples of their fresh produce, jams, salsas and other goods. This will not only help you decide if the goods you’re after are up to your standards, but it also allows you to try new foods you wouldn’t normally seek out.
How Can I Find A Farmers Market Near Me?
Many cities around the United States have local produce markets—both big and small—within city limits or close by in neighboring towns. The United States Department of Agriculture offers a Local Food Directory, which can help you find essential information about farmers markets near you, including the location, open seasons and hours, and the available products.
Are Farmers Markets Year-Round?
In larger regions, like Detroit and Philadelphia, farmers markets have started to become a year-round event, but ultimately, it varies from city to city, depending on climate, with the peak farmers market season running from late spring to early fall. However, some markets do continue year-round to sell baked goods, pet treats, works of arts, and more. With just a little research, you can find out what types of farmers markets are available near you.
Whether you’re trying to support your local community or looking to try new foods, the farmers market has something special waiting for you.
