Wow, the weather is already heating up here in central Texas, but that is fine by me, as spring flows into summer, the mercury rises, our gardens produce loads of wonderful fruits and vegetables, and Farmer’s Markets have their best selections of the year. Farmers Markets are like Christmas presents for gardeners – I cannot grow every veggie under the sun so I grow what I like in my garden and supplement with the delightful produce available at farmer’s markets. I love shopping at a farmer’s market with its freshly cut flowers, baked goods, and all the fruits and veggies you can dream of, it makes for a great family outing. In fact, I think that farmer’s markets are one of the best things about this time of the year. Sure, the produce may not look quite as ‘pretty’ as it does in one of those mega mart-stores, but you can tell just by looking at it that it is bursting with flavor and nutrition.
I suppose that I should admit right here and now that yes, I’m that crazy guy at the farmers market inspecting each cherry tomato for flaws. Yep, the one sniffing all the melons before picking a winner. That’s me. I’m the weirdo and I can’t help it. It’s the farmers market and there is nothing quite like it. The food is fresh, smells like it came from a farm (crazy, I know!) and the people selling it usually grew it and feed it to their own families. It’s amazing. I’ll gladly accept the many side-eye glances sent my way if it means I get to enjoy all the aroma-sniffing, squeeze-testing and thump-checking I can when I’m there each week. And I never miss a week.
I’ve got a gazillion ways to prepare the mountains of kale and rainbows of citrus that gets my family through winter, but by the time May rolls around I am bursting with anticipation for all the wonders the market will have to offer. I’m giddy with excitement when I spot the first spring asparagus and peas. I’ll comparison shop for mundane things like broccoli and onions, but I’ll gladly fork over any price asked by the lady selling Dewberries for just a few glorious weeks in May and June. It’s great to see the frenzy that happens when the heirloom tomatoes first arrive, even though I grow many tomatoes of my own I’ve learned that the farmer’s market will always have one I have not grown in my garden.
But, before you go, there are a few tricks that will make the most of your time and money. Many people stick to the same items at the market, but if that's your pattern, you could be missing out on something great. Try something new! Some farmers markets will feature vendors or have deals of the week. ‘Like' your local market on Facebook or check the website to know what's new since your last visit.
Farmer’s Markets are a wonderful place to find fresh greens. Greens are a huge part of seasonal eating, yet they still intimidate many people. Use greens instead of tortillas for wraps or add them to your favorite soup or casserole. Greens are usually available all season, so they're worth the time it takes to figure out what works for you. If you're looking to stretch your dollar, look for root vegetables because you can use the top and the bottom. For example, kohlrabi, beets, and radishes all have edible greens on top.
Get to know your farmers market vendors by name. This might be the single best thing you can do. Find a favorite stand, get to know the people who work there, and go back to them every week. There's no better way to know exactly where your food comes from. Pretty soon, they'll be giving you insider tips and sharing recipes. Also, don't be afraid to pick your own produce. Some stands will have it pre-measured and ready to go, but if you want to choose your own, just ask. Most vendors encourage it. (But remember not to squeeze too hard because it could bruise the fruit and veggies.)
I’ve got a gazillion ways to prepare the mountains of kale and rainbows of citrus that gets my family through winter, but by the time May rolls around I am bursting with anticipation for all the wonders the market will have to offer. I’m giddy with excitement when I spot the first spring asparagus and peas. I’ll comparison shop for mundane things like broccoli and onions, but I’ll gladly fork over any price asked by the lady selling Dewberries for just a few glorious weeks in May and June. It’s great to see the frenzy that happens when the heirloom tomatoes first arrive, even though I grow many tomatoes of my own I’ve learned that the farmer’s market will always have one I have not grown in my garden.
But, before you go, there are a few tricks that will make the most of your time and money. Many people stick to the same items at the market, but if that's your pattern, you could be missing out on something great. Try something new! Some farmers markets will feature vendors or have deals of the week. ‘Like' your local market on Facebook or check the website to know what's new since your last visit.
Farmer’s Markets are a wonderful place to find fresh greens. Greens are a huge part of seasonal eating, yet they still intimidate many people. Use greens instead of tortillas for wraps or add them to your favorite soup or casserole. Greens are usually available all season, so they're worth the time it takes to figure out what works for you. If you're looking to stretch your dollar, look for root vegetables because you can use the top and the bottom. For example, kohlrabi, beets, and radishes all have edible greens on top.
Get to know your farmers market vendors by name. This might be the single best thing you can do. Find a favorite stand, get to know the people who work there, and go back to them every week. There's no better way to know exactly where your food comes from. Pretty soon, they'll be giving you insider tips and sharing recipes. Also, don't be afraid to pick your own produce. Some stands will have it pre-measured and ready to go, but if you want to choose your own, just ask. Most vendors encourage it. (But remember not to squeeze too hard because it could bruise the fruit and veggies.)
Use a bit of caution when you see a stand that displays the “Organic” sign. Some stands will advertise themselves as organic farms, but the term "organic" gets thrown around a lot these days. Just talk to the workers at the stand and ask them which of the items they sell are organic; then ask them what the term means to them. If you're paying a premium price for organic, you deserve to know their definition. If their definition meets your approval, load up on the wholesomeness!
Savvy farmers market shoppers keep an eye out for what's in season to get the best deals. Pay attention to this, it's an easy way to get the most bang for your buck. When you buy fruit and veggies during the height of their season, then you're going to save money and get the most delicious, most nutritious produce available. Make sure that the produce at a market stand was grown and harvested locally. If you see something out of season — melons or tomatoes weeks before they should be ready — then ask where they came from, when they were picked, and other simple questions that the farmers should know.
Savvy farmers market shoppers keep an eye out for what's in season to get the best deals. Pay attention to this, it's an easy way to get the most bang for your buck. When you buy fruit and veggies during the height of their season, then you're going to save money and get the most delicious, most nutritious produce available. Make sure that the produce at a market stand was grown and harvested locally. If you see something out of season — melons or tomatoes weeks before they should be ready — then ask where they came from, when they were picked, and other simple questions that the farmers should know.
If you're looking to preserve through canning, freezing or drying, then ask your local farmers if they sell in bulk. They might not be able to sell you bulk right then, but if they know ahead of time, they can plan for next time. Also ask about bruised or blemished fruit and veggies. Sometimes, the farmer’s market is a great place to buy bruised produce at a reduced price — especially fruits to turn into jams or preserves. Bruised is not the same as spoiled. You can get some great deals on imperfect produce at a farmer’s market, and our food culture’s insistence that all produce look like it belongs in a photo spread leads to a lot of unnecessary food waste. I do advise you to inspect your produce, but differentiate between when bruised means blemished and when it means that spoilage has set in. Do not buy spoiled food, but feel free to buy blemished food and turn it into small-batch strawberry jam or easy slow-cooker applesauce or even a homemade soup or stew. Yummy!
Finally, be sure to show up on time when the market opens. Vendors need time to set up their stands and get ready for the market, so don't show up before the market starts to scout things out or to try to get in early sales. Just get there when it is scheduled to open, you should show up on time because if the vendor has a limited supply of an item, you can be sure it'll go quickly. And perhaps most of all, respect the vendor’s prices. Leave the haggling for flea markets and yard sales. These vendors are not getting rich selling at the farmer’s market, so offering them less for their produce can be a real insult.
As a gardener it is hard not to love a farmer’s market, they nourish so much more than just our stomachs. Tonight, when I set down platters of grilled vegetables in front of my family, I’ll be giving thanks for every farmer who lovingly grew that food. Wholesome, delicious, nutritious, and beautiful, what more could anyone ask!
Happy Gardening!!
As a gardener it is hard not to love a farmer’s market, they nourish so much more than just our stomachs. Tonight, when I set down platters of grilled vegetables in front of my family, I’ll be giving thanks for every farmer who lovingly grew that food. Wholesome, delicious, nutritious, and beautiful, what more could anyone ask!
Happy Gardening!!
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