Six tips for shopping at your local farmers’ market.
Carolyn Quinn with Dug in Farms.
f you want to shop directly from the source, your local farmers’ market is the place for you. “We always encourage folks to bring one or two recipes they plan to prepare that week with them to the market. It helps inspire them to eat seasonally and we, as growers, can help them with flavor combinations and possible substitutions,” says Carolyn Quinn of Dug In Farms in White Stone. “Growers know a lot about cooking simply because we eat everything we grow. Farmers’ markets can be your best resource for experimenting with fresh produce and other farm fresh products.”
Here are some additional tips:
- Go early. Vendors will often sell out their best products by the late afternoon.
- Bring bags. Many vendors don’t provide them.
- Think seasonal. Ask the farmers which produce is currently in season and get ideas for dishes you can make with it. They’ll love talking to you about their product.
- Take your time. Don’t shop at the first vendor you find; walk around to see what’s available. And don’t hesitate to sample as much as you can.
- Get out of your comfort zone. Farmers’ markets offer a wide array of unsual products and exotic food—give them a try.
- Budget! It’s easy to get carried away and overspend.
