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Farmer's markets are magical places. You witness bounties of foods you didn't know existed, a community of people brought together by their love of fresh, local food. It is where I personally love to spend hours on my Saturday mornings. I am also lucky enough to have a beautiful, gigantic, all year round farmer's market very close to me. (Hope I'm not making you jealous) I am able to get a healthy, amazing breakfast or a raw vegan dessert that can make the most carnivorous person swoon. Not to mention, the samples. Sometimes, I don't even have to get breakfast because I am so full from all sorts of samples. But with all of those benefits, sometimes it can be difficult to have and keep a plan when attending this market. If you're not equipped with the proper tools you can end up with items you may regret, have no idea what to do with, a lot of waste, or just leave feeling overwhelmed. You are at the mercy of what the market is providing that weekend, what is in season and which vendors are there. But there are ways to navigate the farmer's market like a pro. With Spring here and the season changing, so does the market.
Here are some tips that help me manage my farmer's market trips and allow me to enjoy the experience and not just the produce I will get from them...
Bring Your Own Bag
Reusable bags are not just for hippies (and for NJ dwellers where plastic bags are banned). Anyone who is familiar with farmer's markets knows the variety of bags that you will see during your trek at the market. Not only is it a sign that you are prepared for the market, but who wants to carry tons of little plastic bags with their farm fresh prizes all over the place? It is better for the environment and no farmer's market that I have ever seen offers bags anyway. I also believe that having my fun bag is part of the experience (yes, I have a pink polka dotted bag). You wouldn't believe how many conversations have started over my bag or someone else's. There are many options out there, so make your pick and see how much more confident you will feel walking through the farmer's market, your bag filled with goodies from the market.
Bring change
With technology taking over as it is, a lot of vendors now take credit cards, but a lot (especially at smaller markets) don't and who doesn't prefer cash? Try to bring smaller bills to make the process easier on you and your farmers.
Know Your Seasons
Do your research! I cannot say this enough. Know what is in season so you will know what to expect in the market. This way there will be less surprises and it will help make the menu planning process much easier. Yu can look it up online (make sure you are checking for your region!) If you go often, talk with your farmer's and ask them what will be coming in the next few weeks. That may not help you with today's trip, but it will definitely help with the following week's planning as well as help you form a bond with your farmers!
Shop Around
If you are shopping at a larger market where multiple stands might be selling similar products, take a look around. Figure out which prices work for your budget and if there's a difference in quality. Keep in mind that just because a stand doesn't say organic, doesn't mean it isn't. Ask the farmers about their practices. They may have a very good reason for not having the certification and that could work in your favor price-wise.
Know YOUR Basics
Nobody knows what you use on a consistent basis more than you. Have a basic shopping list of things you know you want. I have my basic list that I get every week in varying amount depending on how much I used the week before. Figure out what works for you and your family. Once you have gotten your basics, then you have time to play. This takes some of the pressure off and I automatically feel productive when I get those basics in my bag. Another great tip is meal planning and having a basic idea of what you want to make for the week, but that is a whole other blog post for another time. But if you go with a plan, you are more likely to avoid wasted products or confusion in the week trying to use all that extra kale you bought.
Timing Matters
Sometimes you have a busy day and cannot really control the time you arrive at the farmer's market. But keep in mind that farmer's come with a select amount of produce and once it runs out, it's out. If you're looking for items that are at the end of their season, make sure you get there early because there is sure to be limited quantity and guaranteed you are not the only one looking. This happened to me last week with strawberries when I got there as they sold the last pint! So I was forced to buy extra peaches and apples to drown my strawberry sorrows.
Play Around
There are so many items at the farmers market that I have never seen before anywhere else. I have found my favorite type of zucchini, cucumbers, and tomatoes at this market and I will be sad to see them go. But I know that as they leave, something new and amazing will arrive. Keep an open mind and try new things. If you're not sure of what they are, talk to your farmer (or other people at the market) and ask them their advice or how they prepare a certain item. Did I know how to prepare shishito peppers prior to this summer? No. Did I buy them anyway? Yes! Between pinterest, google, and farmer's advice I was able to prepare an easy, unique and awesome dish. You may find your new favorite fruits and vegetables or preparations.
Make Friends
A farmer's market is a community experience. If you go on a regular basis, you will get acquainted with your farmers and the other customers. Embrace it! This is a rare opportunity that you cannot get at the supermarket. How often do you get to know the process in which your food was grown or created? This is their art! Let them brag a little bit about it since it will not last as long as a painting. This is a great way to show your appreciation for the effort and art it takes to bring all of these items to life and be fully informed about your food. You are what you eat afterall, right?
While I could continue on about farmer's markets for who knows how long, I want to keep it simple. As you should at the market! Especially because I would like to get this post out there before prime farmer's market season is truly finished. Take a stroll through your neighborhood market, talk to your farmers and enjoy fresh produce like you've never tasted before. It might just be the life changing experience you need. Each Saturday going to the farmer's market feels like a holiday with beautiful and edible presents waiting for me to open. But that doesn't mean there aren't some weekends that I run over there in a panic in my sweatpants just trying to get my food shopping done before they run out of stuff. So the most important part of going to the farmer's market? Make it your own. Find your farmers, find your basics, and enjoy it! I hope that some of these tips will help you enjoy the market as much as I do.