5 Tips for Shopping at Farmers Markets
Every Sunday, I’ll take a one-mile walk down to our local farmers market: Babylon Village Farmers Market. I’ve been doing this since 2012 and absolutely love it! I’ve also learned some helpful simple tips while shopping at our local farmer’s markets.
Before I get to those tips, I love spending this time with family, getting to know local farmers, and discovering amazing, new fruits and vegetables. In addition to discovering new items, I love learning new ways to cook them and explore the many possibilities of the offerings of our local farmers. It makes my heart warm to support local, bring money into our local economy, AND eat the freshest food I can find.
Tips for shopping at farmer’s markets:
1. Know your basics of seasonal produce
Know your seasonal produce so you know what to expect, here’s a great article on 5 summer foods for glowing skin that you can look out for at the markets
2. Plan your meals
Plan your meals (or have a general idea of what you want to eat in mind) so you know what you are looking for. If you are going to stock up on your groceries for the week, it’s helpful to plan your meals in advance so you have an idea of the food you are trying to procure.
3. Go Early or Go Late!
If you go early, you can get the best of the crop, beat the crowds, and beat the heat. If you go late, you might be able to get discounts on items that the farmers are trying to get rid of and reduce waste.
4. Talk to the farmers!
I love meeting and talking to the farmers at the markets. They are so friendly and knowledgeable. If I ever have a question about what a certain produce item is or a fun, tasty, new suggestion on how to prepare it, they are ready to give suggestions!
5. Be adventurous.
While you will certainly find the vegetables and fruits you are most familiar with, sometimes you may come across a vegetable that is new to you! Be adventurous and try new foods. Ask the farmer for their best suggestions of how to prepare the vegetable and try it for yourself - you may discover a new favorite!
Discovering new recipes is always great for trying new foods as well. I saw this beautiful eggplant at the market:
and just HAD to take a picture and share! Here’s a free download of a great recipe that uses eggplant.
Do you frequent your farmer’s market? Have you ever been? I’d love to hear which are your favorite if you are in the Long Island area. If you would like to find a farmer’s market near you, visit this site.