Shopping at your local farmers market can be a great way to find fresh produce directly from a farmer and find a wider variety of veggies than your regular supermarket offers. For new visitors to a farmers market, the array of foods can be overwhelming, so you may go home with a mishmash of things that might not make a cohesive recipe.
But with a little bit of knowledge about seasonal foods and meal planning, you can make every trip successful. Check out these essential farmers market tips for newbies!
Seasonal Foods
Certain fruits and vegetables are in season at various times throughout the year, depending on where you live. If you know what will be in season, you’ll know what to expect at the farmers market and can plan your meals accordingly.
Meal Planning
When you have a good idea of what will be available at the farmers market, you can plan your meals with the seasonal foods available. Create a list and the number of each item you’ll need. Since farmers markets may occasionally run out of things, have some substitutes in mind.
Timing
While there’s never a bad time to stop by your local farmers market, these venues tend to be less crowded right when they open or right before they close. You’ll get the best selection when the market opens. Conversely, if you decide to go later, the crowds might be less, but your choices will be as well. The silver lining is that you might be able to get a discount on products, as the vendors may want to sell them quickly rather than take them back home.
Flexibility
Having a list with set items can give you a cohesive menu for the week, but you should also leave a little room open in your budget for some exploration. You might find something fun like squash blossoms to experiment with in the kitchen.
Bring Bags
Don’t forget to bring tote bags with you! The vendors and farmers will offer bags, but they tend to be small or flimsy. A sturdy tote, nylon bag, or even a cart if you plan to purchase a lot can help you get everything home.
Talk to the Farmers
Talking to the farmers and vendors can help you learn what might be available the following week. They’ll be more than happy to speak with you about how they grow the food and maybe even offer a recipe.
These essential farmers market tips for newbies will take you from a beginner to an expert in no time!