Local Farmers’ Markets have lot more than just Produce

Farmers Markets Provide Fresh & Pest-Free Produce

Farmer markets are gaining popularity throughout the country and along with this popularity, there is an increase in vendor and consumer choices.

Start small with purchasing either vegetables for salad or fruits for meals or snacks. Once you get the hang of it, add more items to your purchase cart. Staples usually purchased at any supermarket, such as eggs, flour, bread, coffee, fish, nuts, seeds, honey or even soap can be bought at the farmers market.

Unlike a normal supermarket, the items at a farmers’ market keeps changing according to the produce harvested. Instead of having specific items in mind, try to have a general shopping list that is useful for the whole week. Choose ingredients for salads or produce for side dishes that go well with rice or roti. Calculate fruit portions needed for you every day and restrict yourself to buying those many only.

Listed here are a few clever ways to make your trip to the farmers’ market as advantageous as possible.

•  Never feel embarrassed to ask a doubt. People selling their goods would love to answer your queries. Shoot out your questions with ease. It is not silly to ask them what sunchokes are used for!
• Speak their language. Not every farmer has the organic certification in his/her produces. So, ask them kindly the difference between “greenhouse grown” and “grown or raised without hormones”.
•  Locate a nearby market. Choose a market that’s close to your place with convenient shopping hours so that you can visit the place regularly.
•  Choose the right time. If you can shop only during the weekends, try to go early in the morning. If you can go on a weekday, afternoon hours are suggested as there is less traffic in the market and more opportunities to pick the best produce and have a friendly chat with vendors. If you have budget constraints, it is recommended that you go when it is time for the farmers to pack their goods and go home. During these closure hours, you can find some great deals and purchase items at reduced cost from the vendors.
• Carry paper money and eco-friendly bags. Pay your money in cash and carry your things in a sturdy bag to bring them home safely.
•  Become a gourmet. Ask the vendors for cooking tips and simple suggestions to choose and store fruits and vegetables. They might even offer suggestions on new recipes. You can also log on to www.firsteatright.com for many innovative and nutritious recipes.
• Keep your expectations low. Don’t expect the produce to be perfect. The two main things to consider are: the market is accessible from your place and the produce available is fresh and packet with nutrients to ensure good healthy food.