How to Enjoy a Farmer's Market!

They are cheaper, they have more variety, they often offer organic produce, they support your local economy. What is not to love about Farmer's Markets? With the growing number of tainted vegetable reports circulating the United States, it is easier to give your local farmer's market a visit. With the summer season in full swing it is the perfect time to start! Here are a few tips to making your trip to the Farmer's Market an enjoyable one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cash
• cloth tote bags (to be more ecologically friendly of course)

1. Bring cash. Before you head out or on the want you need to swing by the bank or atm and get enough cash for your visit. It is usually a good idea to prepare to spend what you typically do in a week on vegetables and fruits from your grocery store. You probably will not spend the same amount but you might as well be prepared. Plus you might find a specialty item that you didn't plan on buying such as a new fruit or vegetable or something else.
2. Do not forget you cloth tote bag or you can bring you own recycled plastic bags from the grocery store (they can be reused many times before taken to the recycling center). Vendors will probably have their own plastic bags to use but this way you're doing another tiny part to save the environment and cut back on waste.
3. Have in mind what you want to buy. What would you typically be buying if you were heading to the grocery store? What unique vegetable does that recipe you're planning to try out call for? You may or may not want to make a list but it is definitely a good idea to at least have a general idea of what you plan on getting.
4. Arrive early so that you get a good pick of the vegetables. You do not want to show up close to closing and getting only whatever is left. Most markets are open on Saturdays between 7am and 12noon. Check ahead to find out your local market's hours. Some market's are now placing websites online.
5. Browse all of the stands. Do not stock up at the first stand that you come to. You might want to do a general sweep through first and then start purchasing once you see what everyone has.
6. Some market's also have goods other than fruits and vegetables. Baked goods, homemade cheeses, fresh country eggs, fresh milk, homemade jams and jellies and crafts are just a few of the many things often offered at farmer's markets.
   Ask for samples as well if you're thinking of buying. Some vendors have samples that they hand out to prospective customers. This once helped me to purchase the best barbecue sauce I have ever eaten. I would have passed it by because it was just sauce...no big deal, but one taste of the sample and we were hooked!
7. Head home knowing that you have made an impact on your community. You have helped the farmer and your community and also helped your family by your shopping choice. It will soon become a weekly or bi-weekly staple of your food shopping.