Navigate the Farmers Market Like a Boss!
By Sara Butler
Farmers markets are popping up everywhere, providing local and fresh produce and other products. Chances are, you didn’t grow up going to the farmers market every weekend, so maybe you’re a little nervous about just how to navigate it. Here are some tips to help you navigate your local farmers market like a boss!
What’s So Great About Farmers Markets?
Aside from the fact that shopping locally helps to support your local economy, becoming a patron of your local farmer’s market also has some other advantages. It’s a great way to get seasonal fresh produce for cheaper than you’ll likely find it at your local grocery store. Fresh-from-the-vine produce is packed with more nutrients and eating seasonally also ensures your body is getting what it needs to be healthy.
Getting Organic Goods
If you normally buy organic produce from your local grocery store, the farmer’s market is a great place to find organic too. But you will need to check with the vendors at the market to make sure what you’re buying is organic -- you can’t automatically assume it is.
Keep in mind that in order for farmers to certify their produce as organic, they have to go through the USDA organic certification process, which is a costly process for small operations. Many do actually grow produce organically but aren’t officially certified. You can bet that most of what you’ll find, whether officially organic or not, has been grown with care and attention.
What to Bring
When shopping at the farmers market you won’t have a cart to put all your stuff in. You should be prepared with your own bags or a basket. If you have a small cart, that may be helpful too. You should also be prepared with cash. While a lot of vendors probably take credit or debit cards, some may not. It’s helpful to have cash on hand to pay.
Get the Most Bang for Your Buck
Produce that is fresh is almost always less costly when it’s in season, which means farmers usually have quite a lot of it to sell! Some vendors may also give a discount for produce deemed less attractive since there’s nothing wrong with it but a little cosmetic issue! If you see produce like this, don’t hesitate to ask for a discount.
Don't be shy. Get out to your local farmers market this season!
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