Summer farmers market tips
For many, the idea of an ideal summer Saturday starts at the farmers market. And sure, sunflowers and fresh sweet corn are great, but talk of food shortages may have you wanting to make the most out of your local market. Here are our best tips on how to really shop at your farmers market!
Summer farmers market tips:
BYOB x2: Bring Your Own Bills and Bring Your Own Bag.
Vendors may use Venmo or a card reader, but play it safe and swing by the ATM before you head to the market (if you can, get smaller bills). And not only are reusable bags cute and good for the planet, they are also more durable than disposable plastic bags.
If you are looking to really shop, it’s a good idea to get there early.
This ensures that the farmer’s freshest produce and best products are available to choose from. You will also find a wide variety of options as farmers can and often do sell out of items. If you’re a regular, this will also let you check out the new vendors before they’re swarmed by the crowds.
Take a lap as you arrive to see what each vendor is offering.
This helps you price shop and check the quality, as vendors' products can overlap. Don't be surprised to see a similar product for different prices! As you become familiar with your local farmers market, you will also notice which vendors have the best selection, new foods, and best deals.
Bring a shopping list.
A list will ensure you stay focused, even while you have a great time exploring the entire market. Don't get distracted by local honey and heirloom tomatoes if they aren't items you'll actually use at home!
As you shop, be aware that things may not look like in the store. Typical grocery store tomatoes are bright red and round. A Farmer’s Market tomato may be short and fat. It may have ripples. It will still be great, even better than you may experience at a store. Farmers Market produce will be straight from the ground, so don’t be alarmed by roots, stems, or dirt.
Here are some red flags and things to be aware of when picking out produce:
Tomatoes continue to ripen even after they are picked. It’s okay to have some green on the top.
Berries do not continue to ripen after they are picked, so pick ones that have full, vibrant color.
Use your hands and nose. Melons should smell sweet. Herbs should smell fresh and not be brown. Produce should be soft. Pass on wrinkled or squishy items.
Inspect the produce to ensure no mold, decay, or evidence of insects.
Tips for shopping for meat or dairy:
Produce, honey, and flowers make for pretty market haul pictures but don’t sleep on fresh meat and dairy products at the market. The farmers market is great for grass-fed and pastured meat, eggs, and dairy from your local area.
If you are looking to make a meat or dairy purchase, it doesn’t hurt to bring a small cooler or even a lunchbox with ice packs to take it home.
Make sure the market is your last stop of the morning before heading home, and keep the meat separate from your other market items.
And, if you end up loving a product, ask the farmer if they do bulk purchase programs like a 1/4 beef or 1/2 pig. This is a great way to stock up on great meat (just make sure you have a chest freezer!), and you may even get the meat for a better deal, thanks to buying in bulk.
Ask questions and make connections with the farmers and vendors.
Ask questions and make connections with the farmers and vendors. Ask about their farming practices if that is important to you. If you need help preparing something like kohlrabi or short ribs, ask the farmer for their suggestions or recipe cards. They should be eager to help you have a great experience with their product.
If you learn to like a farmer’s product, like and follow their social media accounts. They may give sneak peeks at life on the farm, what they are bringing to market, and share updates in the market’s off-season. It can also be a great resource if you have questions after market day.
