How To Shop Your Local Farmers’ Market

If you haven’t done so already, this is a great time of year to gather up your family and friends (and even your dog) and head to your local farmers’ market. The food is typically fresher than at your local grocer, less expensive, organic, and locally grown.

If you enjoy the market and the food you get from your local vendors, consider putting a weekly trip to the farmers’ market on your schedule – most farmers’ markets operate on a once/week basis.  Here are seven tips for getting the most out of your experience at the farmers’ market:

1. Get a schedule of the days and times of the farmers’ markets in your area with this search tool or through your local Chamber of Commerce, and plan your next visit by writing it in your calendar today.
2. Bring cash for whatever you want to buy; many vendors only accept cash for their goods.
   
3. Look for organic fresh produce when you’re at the market.  Ask the vendors questions about their food to make sure you’re getting what you want.
   
4. Look for raw nuts and seeds, nut butters, fruit, veggies, and organic grains.  Some markets even have organic poultry, seafood, and other meat. Most often there are organic cheeses and other dairy products as well.
5. This is also a good time to buy inexpensive but quality gifts for those hard-to-buy-for people.  Non-perishable items at farmers’ markets make great stocking stuffers or employee/co-worker gifts.
   
6. Bring your kids to make it an educational experience as well.  They can interact with vendors, and learn firsthand about the origins of much of their food, something you can rarely do at the grocery store.
   
7. Get comfortable going to the farmers market.  Notice how much more you enjoy your produce and other foods that come from there.  I find that they are fresh and much better tasting than all the processed food or produce that comes from far away places. The other major benefit is that you are supporting your local farmers and keeping them in business.

Check out your local farmers’ market this week, and enjoy all the fresh, delicious goods they have to offer.