How to do Farmers Markets Right

It is fairly common knowledge that buying your produce at your local farmers market is the best way to stock up each week (besides growing your own in your backyard Veggie Patch of course!). While it is nothing like the ‘wet’ markets that I would visit daily in Thailand, it can feel a bit daunting heading into the field with the crowds and the endless stalls. I want to encourage you to be a locavore so here are my tips on how to do farmers markets right.

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How to do a Farmers Markets Right

Tip 1 ~ Don’t go with a List

Produce changes week to week and you cannot guarantee that any one thing in particular will be available. Pick up what looks good, what is in season and what is priced well. If you can, I think it is best to do your produce shop first and then plan your meals around what you were able to get. This way you can also top up at the supermarket if you weren’t able to find something you wanted.

Tip 2 ~ Take small Cash

This seems logical but make sure you check your purse before you get there. Remember that stalls prefer smaller notes and coins so try not to rely on stopping at the ATM on the way. If you need to set a budget for your shop, do that before you go. Once the money runs out it’s time to go home.

Tip 3 ~ Think Green

Take your own reusable bags and say no to plastic. Don’t buy it unless you are going to use it, you don’t want to contribute to the waste pile. So even if it is cheaper to buy 3 instead of 2, only do it if you wont waste it. If your markets are close enough, walk or ride your bicycle (if you have a basket for your goodies) rather than drive.

Tip 4 ~ Plan your Trip

Try and go early to get the pick of the goods, or really late if you want to bag the end of day bargains. When you first get there, do a quick walk through and check everything out. Consider quality of the produce and price. Also keep in mind that if you buy up big at one stall they will often give you a discount or throw in a few extra goodies for free.

Tip 5 ~ Be Friendly

When you head to your local farmers markets, smile and be friendly. Chat with the stall holders and ask about their produce, what it is, how to use it, how long it will keep, how to keep it … this is their passion and they are more than happy to talk your ear off about it. Smile at the other shoppers, you might just make a new friend or at the very least you will feel good for being nice.

Tip 6 ~ Taste & Look

Make sure you taste test if your not sure on something, they often encourage this anyway. And don’t judge a book by its cover, buy the ugly stuff. The produce, more often than not, wont look like it does in the supermarket but that’s ok, this stuff is fresher, is often organic or pretty close to it and will taste much better. You will learn as you go that for different produce and different farmers this can either mean that the food lasts longer, because it hasn’t been stored for months already, or it could last less time because it isn’t grown with all the extra nasties that help preserve the produce for supermarkets.

Tip 7 ~ Clean & Store

When you get home unpack everything and give it a good wash, local farmers pick this stuff so fresh it is often still covered in dirt. Sort out what you are going to do with everything – if you bought something in bulk, break it up into what you are eating, and what you are preserving/ freezing/ dehydrating/ sharing with friends. Then be sure to store it all properly so that it stays fresh and lasts longer – you can either ask the farmer for advice on this or jump on pinterest for some great ideas. Wash it and store it properly so it lasts longer. Then you can easily plan out your meals for the week knowing what produce you have.

Tip 8 ~ Slow Down

Going to your local farmers markets is an experience in itself and is a lot more fun than shopping at the supermarket so make sure you slow down and enjoy it. If you have a few extra dollars you can grab a coffee, buy some yummy baked goods and relax in the sunshine a while. There is often a bit of entertainment at the markets as well as other small stalls to explore. I know some weeks I am in a rush and will whirl through the markets and back out again in a blur but I much prefer to take my time, follow these tips and enjoy everything that is wonderful about farmers markets.

 

What are your top tips for making the most of your local farmers markets? Or maybe you have an ideal storage tip for making it keep fresh for longer?