Why Shop At a Farmers Market?
Posted: Tuesday, March 04, 2008
by Jason Mailey
http://www.tipsontherun.com
Shopping at a farmers market can be fun, but also good for you and your community! Some of the many reasons include:
+ The freshest foods are available, and fresh means better health for you.
+ You can meet the farmer who grew your food and they can tell you the best ways to prepare the produce you just bought.
+ You can save money, especially on organic produce.
Before you Leave Home
Check when the market is open. Farmers markets have different days and hours of operation so double check that your local market is open before you leave.
Bring your own bag, basket or a light shopping cart. Recycle plastic bags, by bringing them with you and asking the farmers to use them instead of theirs. Keep an inexpensive cooler in your car to keep produce fresh and safe during hot weather.
Shop early. You'll find the best selection early in the day, so try to get there when the market first opens.
Go without a list. This probably goes against what you've learned, but the point of going to the farmers market is to get the freshest possible produce. So plan on buying whatever looks best and plan your meals around your purchase
Enjoy the Market! Browse before buying. Take time to taste and compare the offerings of different vendors.
Try new foods. Buy something you've never had before. Ask the farmer the best way to enjoy it. Never cooked kohlrabi? At the farmers market, a grower can tell you how to select and prepare it.
Take time to chat with the farmers. Getting to know your local growers is part of the fun of shopping at farmers markets. You'll become a wiser shopper.
Go straight home. Plan on bringing your purchases home before running any more errands - leaving fresh produce sitting in a hot car can wilt it.
http://www.tipsontherun.com
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