9 Tips for Shopping at
FOOD
Farmers’ Markets
With the farmers’ market season starting up, it’s going to be crowded.
So here are a few tips to help you get the best produce available at your market.
Sheree Clark For Sunwarrior
Sex is good, but not as good
as fresh, sweet corn.
~ Garrison Keillor
While I don’t know that I agree 100% with the quote above about
sex versus corn, I do know that along with summer comes all kinds
of wonderful fresh produce! And while nothing beats food that you
plant, nurture, and harvest yourself, the plethora of buying options
at this time of year truly makes for a healthy food nirvana. Farmers’
market produce is renowned for being locally grown and very fresh.
Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned farmers’ market shopper,
here are a few pointers to help you get the most for your time and
money.
PLAN AHEAD
Think about how many meals you’ll be preparing in the coming
week and buy your produce accordingly. Avoid bringing home more
than you need: it’s not a bargain if you end up throwing it away or
composting it!
WASTE NOT
Don’t throw about-to-go-bad food away! When fruits or vegetables
look like they won’t get eaten in time, dehydrate them thoroughly
and store in an airtight container. Dried fruits can be used in trail
mix, while your dehydrated vegetables can garnish a salad or be
used in a soup.
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Natural Muscle Magazine
BE AN EARLY BIRD
UNDERSTAND TERMINOLOGY
Shortly before the market is about to close, the farmers will often
give drastic reductions. They may be willing to sell at a discount
just to avoid having to haul it away.
Many people believe that organic produce is preferable
because it is grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
Sometimes growers who call their growing methods “chemical
free” actually do adhere to organic practices, but simply lack
the resources to become certified. Learn to appreciate the
differences between growing methods as well as the meaning
of terms like “sustainable” and “biodynamic,” and buy based
on what resonates with you.
ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIPS
MONEY TALKS
Get to know the farmers and vendors who work the stands you
buy from. Tell them what your produce needs are and consider
bringing them a sample of something you’ve made with an item
they’ve grown. Such gestures go a long way in making the food
cycle complete!
SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE
The best vendors are usually also the most popular and they can
run out of things. Arrive at the market soon after it opens for the
best selection.
BE A NIGHT OWL
ASK QUESTIONS
Don’t be afraid to ask growers—or even local chefs and foodies
you might see at the market—for tips on food preparation and
storage. You can adapt any suggestions you receive to your own
tastes, and use the ideas of others as inspiration.
June/July 2015
Bring cash: many vendors do not take credit cards or checks.
Small bills are appreciated, and your shopping time will more
efficient if you don’t have to wait for change.
While the farmers’ market is a lot of fun, navigating streets and
sidewalks filled with produce can be overwhelming if you’re
new to the scene. It helps while browsing the market to know
the language. Learn these terms and soon you’ll be chatting
like a pro!