Making The Most Out Of Your Trip To The Farmers Market
A Saturday visit to the farmers market during the summer makes the most wholesome day — who doesn’t love connecting with friends, family, and farmers surrounded by fresh, locally grown organic foods? Shopping locally is best for freshness, taste and nutrition - If you’ve ever enjoyed a perfectly ripe, organic tomato or crate of strawberries from your farmers market, you know what I mean! Local produce sold at farmers markets may be picked or harvested just a day or two before — or on the morning of the market, meaning they’re usually sweeter, juicier, and tastier.
One of my favourite parts about buying organic local food is making connections with farms and food growers. Nurturing relationships with those who grow your food is a great way to create community. You can also ask questions and learn more about farming practices. These connections are wonderful for helping you develop a deeper appreciation for your food. Personally, I feel more satisfied and mindful when I have a connection to the food that I eat!
In this blog, I share my tips on how to make the most out of your next farmers market visit and make it a fruitful (pun intended) produce shop for your week ahead. Before you head to the markets dressed in your beautifully relaxed outfit with reusable totes in hand, check out my tips below!
1. Plan meals ahead of time so you know what you need
Prepare a list of items you know you’ll use to keep focused and to make sure you don’t leave forgetting anything!
2. Go early!
Arriving early will ensure you get the best selection and help you beat the mid-morning crowd.
3. Take a lap
Before you make any purchases, take a lap and see what each stall has to offer. Size, quality, and price will vary among them so take a few minutes to look around first.
4. Bring small bits of cash
Some stalls will only take cash and maybe won’t have large amounts of change, so be sure to make a stop at an ATM beforehand.
5. Bring your own bags that are easy to carry
Remember to bring along your reusable bags, bring more than you think you’ll need just in case!
6. Know your seasonal produce
Eating seasonally reduces the demand for out of season produce, which further supports more local farming in your area.
7. Ask questions
What’s that? What do you make with this? How do I know when to eat these? These are all perfect questions to ask a farmer. Talk to them and get their story! If you build a good relationship maybe they will select the best stuff just for you.
8. Step out of your comfort zone and keep an open mind
Have fun and explore new things you might have never tried or seen before. Ask to taste a sample if you’re not sure! You might just discover your new favourite fruit or veggie.
9. Consider looking for more than just veggies
Items like home-made jams, ferments, soaps, candles, and a plethora of low-tox household goods can also be sold at farmers markets. Finding these items at a market, rather than a chain grocery, might save you some money and raise the bar on quality.
10. Enjoy & make it a time to relax and explore new delicious things!
Thank you for reading.
I hope these tips help you to fully immerse yourself into all the farmers markets have to offer, while helping you shop smart! Have a wonderful visit <3
Wishing you all wellness & vitality,
Liv x