Buzz
The simplest way to enjoy local food is by visiting a farmer's market. Not only do you support local farmers, but you're also engaging with your community. Plus, it's often the most affordable option when shopping for yourself.
Much like learning the ropes of grocery shopping, mastering the art of farmer's market shopping is key. I've been frequenting a few of my local markets for years, and along the way, I've picked up some valuable tips that will help you make the most of your next visit.
Get Ready for Your Trip
Be prepared before heading to the market: many vendors only accept cash, often in smaller bills. (Some are starting to take food stamps as well.) A lot of them won’t have bags, so don’t forget to bring your own reusable ones (I love the ones from Baggu). And remember, leave your dog at home since most markets don't permit them.
Above all, knowing the seasons is key to understanding what will be available at the market. I receive a weekly e-newsletter from my local market that details what's abundant and at its best, what's in limited supply, what’s nearing the end of the season, and what limited-time offerings shouldn’t be missed. Even if your market doesn’t provide that, reviewing a seasonal eating chart can give you a helpful idea of what's in stock.
If your market has an information booth, be sure to stop by; they might offer chef-led cooking demos, a veggie valet service, and evening classes, many of which are free of charge.
Arrive Early or Late
To get the best and freshest selection, aim to visit the market as soon as it opens. It’s also the ideal time to purchase fresh seafood and meats, before they’ve been exposed to the elements for too long. If you’re not a morning person, try arriving near the end of the market when vendors, eager to avoid taking their unsold produce home, may offer discounts on what’s left. Avoid the peak hours when the market is most crowded.
Take a Walk Around Before Making Purchases
Unless you're familiar with the market, avoid making the mistake of purchasing the first produce you come across. Geoffrey Zakarian advises waiting 30 minutes before buying anything at the market. While this might be a bit extreme, it's a good idea to take a quick walk around before making any purchases. This gives you a chance to get familiar with the market, sample the products, and compare prices. People often skip this step and end up buying the first tomatoes they find, only to discover better and cheaper ones an hour later on the opposite side of the market. This leads to overspending, overbuying, and food waste — something to avoid.
Strike Up a Conversation with Your Farmer
A farmer’s market wouldn’t be complete without the farmers themselves, who are often the best part of the experience. Speaking with them gives you the chance to learn about their farming methods. They can explain why their produce may or may not be certified organic, differentiate between a raspberry and a tayberry, or offer advice on picking the juiciest peaches.
If you’re a regular at the market, make sure to introduce yourself. Talking with your farmer could lead to a better deal, and if you're looking to buy in bulk, you might be able to work out a deal ahead of time. I’ve had discussions with farmers about recipes and even shown them dishes I’ve prepared using their produce from the previous week. Building those relationships is the quickest way to earn VIP treatment.
As you sift through piles of fruits and vegetables, be mindful of market etiquette. For instance, it’s considered disrespectful to squeeze stone fruits or tomatoes (which can bruise them), or to open corn husks before purchasing (which accelerates the conversion of sugars to starch).
Try Something New
What do cherimoyas, garlic scapes, fiddlehead ferns, green garlic, and bitter melon all have in common? They’re all ingredients I’ve bought at the farmer’s market out of curiosity. I often pick one spontaneous item after asking the farmer for advice on how to cook it. For instance, spring onions are in season now and can be used in virtually any recipe that calls for regular onions.
Bring a Friend Along
While running errands at the grocery store can feel like a task, a trip to the farmer's market is an enjoyable experience. I like to bring friends with me so we can catch up while browsing the produce. It’s also a great strategy if you know you'll be tempted to buy more than you need; this way, you can share fruits and vegetables, splitting them when you're done shopping.
Keep Your Focus on the Produce
It’s tempting to plan out a detailed menu in advance, but it’s important to remain flexible. For example, the tomatoes you had in mind might not look that great, but you may find a great deal on summer squash instead.
When cooking with ingredients from the farmer’s market, I tend to keep it simple. Overcomplicating a fruit or vegetable’s natural flavor with too many other ingredients defeats the purpose. Sure, you could make strawberry jam with ripe wild strawberries, but why not showcase their peak freshness in a simple kale salad with pine nuts instead?
Look for produce that’s as whole as possible, such as carrots and beets with their greens still attached. This will help keep them fresh longer, and the green tops are great for making pesto or sautéing as a bonus.
One last thing: although baked goods, desserts, beverages, and the ever-present bags of kettle corn might catch your eye, remember that not everything at the farmer's market is necessarily better.
Choose the Right Market for You
Limiting yourself to just one farmer's market is like only shopping at a single grocery store. Explore multiple markets to discover which one best fits your preferences. Larger, well-known markets offer a wide variety of goods and a lively atmosphere, making them great for both shopping and dining experiences. On the other hand, smaller markets may have fewer options, but they often feature better prices. Use this search page to find a farmer’s market near you.
