Make the Most of the Farmers Market

Whether you approach shopping at farmers markets like a battle, with a plan to get in and out as quickly as possible, or look forward to spending the entire day chatting with farmers and sampling their wares, we have five insider tips from market pro Juliet Glass, manager of three bustling Washington, D.C. markets, to make the most of your farmers market visits.

1. Shop at producer-only markets

Have you ever visited farmers markets in, say, the Midwest, and wondered why vendors were selling bananas? A real farmers market should be “producer only,” that is, a market exclusively for local farmers and producers who make value-added foods such as cheese, jams, and baked goods crafted from local ingredients. A true farmers market shouldn’t have any vendors buy produce from a wholesaler to resell at the market. Some areas have laws about this, but not all. The best way to get the scoop on a market is to ask vendors if they’ve grown or made the food themselves. You can also talk with the market’s manager (often lurking around an information table) about how farmers are vetted before being allowed to sell there. Many markets have rules and regulations available on their websites. If none of these means prove fruitful, follow this simple rule of thumb: if the produce you see is out-of-season or doesn’t grow in your climate, find another market.

2. Bigger isn’t always better

If you’ve only visited your area’s largest, busiest market, make a point of checking out smaller markets. Large markets tend to be on prime real estate and draw on a wealthier clientele, which means that farmers can — and often do — charge more. Farmers sometimes need more hired help to sell at large markets, which can also drive up prices. Moreover, large markets can be as crowded as a European disco. Smaller markets are less crowded, easier to shop, and often have lower prices. If you have a favorite farmer, ask them where else they sell and try visiting them there.

3. Know your farmer

Farming is hard and often solitary work and many farmers love the bustle of market days. Markets also give them a chance to know regular customers. (FYI, farmers love to hear how delicious their food is — shower them with praise and watch them blush with pride). Once you establish a rapport with a farmer, ask them what else they planted, or how they cook their favorite vegetables. You can also ask what they might have next week and plan your menus accordingly. If you have a big canning project, for instance, you can ask the farmer to set aside seconds (less than perfect produce, but still perfectly edible) they’re willing to sell at a lower price.

4. Pack like a pro

Bringing reusable bags is just the beginning! If you plan on buying meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or cheese (or if it’s hot and you want your lettuces to remain crisp), a cooler bag is a good idea. Sick of coming home with squished raspberries and cherry tomatoes? Bring reusable plastic containers or repurpose clamshell containers for delicate produce. Finally, pack your bags logically as you shop. Potatoes and corn are fine on the bottom of bag, and they make a solid base for lettuce and easily bruised peaches.

5. What they say about the early bird is true (even when it’s raining)

Show up as early as possible. The market won’t be packed and you’ll have first pick while everything is still dewy fresh. You can easily take a quick loop through the market before buying anything, to assess selection and pricing before diving into actual shopping. If you live in a particularly hot climate, early shopping ensures that your bounty won’t wilt or spoil en route home. Don’t let the rain keep you away — your market will be less crowded and prices for highly perishable foods might be lower to draw in shoppers.

Note: The other strategy is to go when the market is closing — you can get some good deals, such as artisanal breads for half price.

Source: www.kashi.com