Many of us are going organic. We’re quickly realizing the benefits of eating foods that are free of chemicals and that are grown in a way that is good for our bodies and the environment. One of the best places to find organic food is your local farmer’s market. Some of the advantages to shopping the farmer’s market include:
- Fresher food, as it is transported a shorter distance, so it gets to market faster. This means your food tastes better and is less likely to be contaminated
- Lower prices, because farmers have less overhead
- Supports your local economy
- Supports green space in your local area
- Environmentally friendly, because less fuel is used to transport food from the garden to the consumer
So, Where’s the Farmer’s Market?
Most areas have access to a local farmer’s market. Certainly, some are bigger than others. Small and less plentiful farmer’s markets will grow if demand grows. So, even if yours is small, support it. More farmers will want to participate if they know that attendance is high.
If you don’t know where your local farmer’s market is located, visit Farmer’s Market for a US directory.
Who Has the Best?
Like we said earlier, some areas have better farmer’s markets than others. Here are the top 10 farmer’s markets in the US.
Portland, Oregon
Greenmarket, NYC
Ferry Plaza, San Francisco
Madison, WI
Sunset Valley, Austin, TX
Savannah GA
Boulder, CO
Montpelier VT
Santa Fe, NM
Seattle, WA
How Do I Shop At the Farmer’s Market?
Shopping at the farmer’s market is a little different than shopping elsewhere. First of all, if you’re going to commit to shopping at the farmer’s market, you should start learning to eat seasonally. Buy fruits and vegetables when they’re in season and cook around these vegetables. It’s a bit different than just going to the grocery and buying what you want. Though it takes a bit of adjustment, eating and cooking seasonally is not only environmentally friendly, but it means your family is eating the best tasting food and it means you’re supporting your local economy.
When you first get to the farmer’s market, take a look all around before you buy. You don’t want to blow your budget in the first few minutes only to find the best stuff further down the road. After your look around you’ll be better equipped to shop because you’ll know who has the best prices and the best looking produce.
For your best experience at the farmer’s market, arrive early. Many vendors will sell out before the market is over, and it’s the best stuff that goes first. On the other hand, the best deals come near the end of the market. Many vendors will mark their prices down drastically to avoid having to pack their food up and take it home.
Take your own bags, since many vendors either won’t have them or will have very flimsy ones. This is a great time to break out those reusable shopping bags. And, be sure to take cash. Small bills and some change work best, and will save you time. Particularly at smaller farmer’s markets, most vendors will not accept credit cards.
So, you’re all ready to visit the farmer’s market. After a few trips, you’re sure to be cooking your tastiest meals ever and you’re sure to be a convert to farmer’s market shopping.
Phyll Zerkle blogs about how to find a program for a MPH degree online.