Enjoying Fresh Food and Fresh Savings at the Farmer’s Market

One of the biggest challenges facing anyone with a busy lifestyle and a tight budget is how to put healthy, nutritious meals on the table for your family. You know that, in order to cook a delicious meal, you need fresh, quality ingredients. The challenge, though, is finding the time to shop for those fresh ingredients so why not make a field trip to your local farmer’s market.

At your local Farmer’s market, you can find fruits and vegetables that are grown in your hometown. They also often feature hard-to-find items that never show up in your grocery store’s produce aisle.

Try these tips to enjoy fresh food and fresh savings at your local market:

• Arrive early. To ensure you have the best selection of homegrown, fresh food available, plan to arrive at the Farmer’s market when it opens. Smart shoppers know that the best produce is sold fast. Arriving even a half-hour or an hour after the market opens could mean that much less of the good stuff is available to you. And make sure to shop all the little booths.

• Dress appropriately. Most Farmer’s markets are held outdoors. Plan to stay a while, and dress comfortably. If you’re in a hot climate attending a Farmer’s market in the summer, wear a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. If it’s cold, wear layers to stay warm for as long as you wish to stay and shop. Also you might want to carry a tote bag to carry all of your goodies around.

• Buy what you like when you see it. If you see something you like, remember that it’ll likely be gone the next time you pass by that booth. Farmers work hard for their money, and they’ll seldom hold produce for you if a buyer walks up and is ready to pay for it. You miss out on some excellent deals unless you jump on them right away.

• Prepare for variety. Depending on your location, its climate, and the time of year you visit to the Farmer’s market, the selection can vary widely from week to week. If you see something you like, jump on it. It may not be available next week.

• Bring an open mind. Many who are new to Farmer’s markets make the mistake of only purchasing items they’re used to cooking with. The Farmer’s market is your opportunity to experiment with flavors that are foreign to you. You’ll find palate pleasing fruits and vegetables that add variety to your home’s menu.

• Be willing to leave your comfort zone. Even produce you’ve never heard of before can add zing to your food. While you may not know how you’re going to use each ingredient you purchase while you’re at the market, it’s easy to find recipes that use each ingredient online.

• Remember that the farmers selling their goods are experts in the produce they’re selling. If you ask them for examples of how to use unfamiliar produce in your cooking, they’ll often be more than happy to give you an idea or two. Ask lots of questions.

• Bring cash. In most Farmer’s markets, the only way to pay is with cash. Stop by the ATM on your way to the market to ensure you’re able to enjoy the unique, homegrown produce that you find there. ( Sometimes they make take cards but you want to make sure you some money on you just in case.

• Give yourself time to look around. By doing so, you may save money by finding a different vendor with the same produce at lower prices. Or, you’ll find items other than fruits and vegetables that may suit your fancy. And you might want to consider buying some lunch or breakfast while you are there. They have amazing food trucks there.

• Often, some of the best breads and organic jellies can also be found at your local farmers market at prices lower than the stores. In addition, nonfood items like homemade soaps and crafts can be found at the Farmer’s market at bargain prices. And have I mentioned they even have wine there.

By visiting your local farmers’ market and using these tips, you can enjoy fresh food and fresh savings. In addition, you’ll be supporting your local community while cooking with and eating healthy, mostly organic ingredients. Your local Farmer’s market offers affordable prices, a unique selection, and a chance to try new foods that’ll make you smile.