Farmers Markets are a great and easy way to add healthy and nutritious local produce, dairy and meats to everyday meals. However, many shoppers leave disappointed after spending hours at the market. They either come home empty-handed, overwhelmed and confused or with bunches and bunches of produce that went uneaten and eventually thrown out. There is no secret to shopping at the farmers market but a bit of planning can make your trip successful. Here are some tips to make your next trip to your farmers market a delight. 1. Know Your Seasons
If you have a favorite item – such as Asian Pears ask the vendors how they look this year and when they might be coming in so you can plan ahead. If you know a bit of what to expect beforehand, making decisions at each stall is much easier. To find out what’s fresh and ripe where you live, check what’s in season in your area.
2. Go Early or Go Late
You will beat the crowds and find the best selections. They will often run out of things later in the day, and the best goods always go first.
For the best deals, go just before closing time, because vendors usually prefer to discount products instead of loading them back up and taking them home. The selections will be limited and some vendors will be sold out, but you may find some great items
3. Dress Comfortably
Wear walking shoes and be prepared to do a lot of walking. Most farmers markets are open rain or shine, so prepare with plenty of sunscreen and bring an umbrella or wear a hat.
4. Bring Sturdy Bags
Although some farmers market offer bags and boxes, it’s easiest if you bring your own. Not all vendors will offer bags to take home goods (some are plastic free) so they’ll give you a box which can make it awkward to carry and shop. The bags tend to be thin and flimsy plastic ones that are not very sturdy. Reusable cloth totes and bags are a great choice, because they are roomy and strong. To keep items fresh consider an insulated bag or a cooler with ice packs in your car.
5. Browse Before you Buy
If you have time, walk through the market and browse the stalls before you purchase anything. This is so you can get an overview of everything offered and get a feel of what vendors are charging.
6. Bring Cash
Some vendors may accept debit and credit cards, but this usually inflates costs. It’s best to bring small bills and coins. Although vendors will make change, purchases will go easier and faster if you have the exact (or close to exact) change.
Many farmers markets in the United States participate in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Through the program a variety of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs may be purchased with FMNP coupons.
7. Meal Plan Ahead of Time
Make a list of what you need and shop accordingly. This way you know how much you need to shop and you don’t end up wasting things. However, you need to leave a bit of wiggle room for those things that you expected to find but didn’t or things you didn’t know would be at market so early.
8. Invest in Wheeled cart
If you buy a lot every week, consider purchasing a wheeled cart. They make it easier to get your haul from stall to stall as you make your way through the farmers market!
9. Buy in Bulk
The best deals at the farmers market are when you buy in bulk. You’ll get the best prices when you buy lots of whatever is at its harvest peak. Don’t worry about it going to waste. Try new recipes, canning, freezing and drying are some of the ways you can save seasonal tastes you find at the farmers market for later in the year.
10. Experiment and Ask Questions
If you see something unfamiliar, don’t be afraid to give it a try. Ask vendors how to prepare it, specifically ask how they like to eat it and if they have any easy recipes. You may even discover a new favorite, vegetable, fruit, etc.
Don’t go expecting purchase cheap food. Farmers Markets are not known for finding steals and deals necessarily, however they are definitely worth shopping at for the quality and freshness.
Keep in mind some areas have laws about non-local produce being sold but others don’t, so if this is a concern just ask if it’s grown locally
Have a tip of your own? Please, share it with us.
About Cuzinlogic
good tips – thanks!
Great tips – especially planning ahead! Making a list makes my shopping experience so much better. It feels like chaos when I’m not sure what I’m getting.