Are you tired of leaving your local farmer’s market with a bag of random produce you have no clue what to do with? Or being convinced into buying $18 artisanal soaps you just end up regifting?
Don’t sweat it: we’ve got six tips for shopping better at your local market!
Start Early (Or Late)
You can go early or late—either way, you’re beating the crowd. Both have advantages as well. Going early means you likely have your first pick of the freshest produce. Going late could secure you some deals from vendors wanting to unload their inventory before they pack up for the day.
Talk With Your Farmers
You don’t necessarily need to make friendship bracelets with the person selling you tomatoes. But many farmers want to engage with their customers; don’t hesitate to ask questions about their produce!
Farmers are often passionate about their products and love to share their knowledge. These conversations can deepen your appreciation for the food you buy and might even introduce you to new varieties that you wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
Know What’s In Season
Buying things in season is relatively easy to do at a farmer’s market—most of it will probably be there and available for you. But doing some research before enables you to choose only the freshest things for the best flavor.
In-season fruit and veg is also usually more bountiful, meaning that farmers will have plenty for you to pick up while the gettin’s good!
Plan Ahead (But Stay Flexible)
We’re big fans of meal planning, and farmer’s markets can often throw a wrench in those meal plans. Maybe they’re out of something you need for a dish or there’s something that catches your eye, but didn’t intend to cook this week.
Allow for some adaptability so you can buy what’s truly worth it for you. For example, maybe you were determined to make a peach cobbler, but buying raspberries just made more sense, so it’s time to pivot to a mixed berry pie instead!
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bags)
Being eco-friendly doesn’t just help the planet; it often makes your shopping experience more pleasant. Bring sturdy reusable bags, and if you plan to buy delicate items like berries or tomatoes, consider bringing small containers to prevent them from getting squished.
This simple step ensures that your produce stays in top condition from the market to your kitchen. Plus, many vendors appreciate when customers bring their own bags, as it reduces plastic waste and keeps costs down.
Try Something New Each Visit
Let’s face it, there’s always something we pass at the market that catches our eye. But we hesitate buying it because it “wasn’t on the list.” Let yourself have a little something every time you go to the farmer’s market.
Whether it’s an unusual vegetable or a different variety of apple, stepping out of your comfort zone can be exciting and rewarding. Maybe today’s the day you’ll finally find out what a persimmon tastes like or how you can use kohlrabi in tonight’s dinner—or maybe you just swallow your pride and help yourself to one of those artisanal soaps.
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