Farmer’s markets provide a great way to try local, healthy, and delicious food. If you’ve been to a farmer’s market, you’ll know that sometimes they can be overwhelming. We’ve compiled a list of tips and hints to help you make the most of your trips to local farmer’s markets.
Come Prepared
When you’re headed to a farmer’s market you’re most likely going to want to have a few key things. First, make sure you have cash. While some vendors might accept credit cards, many vendors have cash-only stalls.
You’ll also want to invest in a nice reusable bag. Whether you get one or two, reusable bags are great for a few reasons. You’ll help to cut down on the one-trillion plastic bags our society uses each year, and you won’t have to carry multiple, flimsy bags around. Instead, you can pack your purchases safely in your own bag.
Go at Non-Peak Times
If you know you’re headed to the farmer’s market, try to arrive either at the start or near the end. If you’re looking for the best selection, you’ll want to get there early before the crowds arrive. If you’re looking for great deals, you can try arrive near the end when vendors might be tempted to discount items instead of pack them up and haul them home. However, not all vendors provide discounts, so don’t got there at the end expecting it.
Learn Smart Buying Behaviors
There are two key buying behaviors you should practice at farmer’s markets. First, buy produce that is in season. For a hand list of fruits and vegetables and their seasons, click here. When produce is in its peak season, it’s generally going to be at its best price.
That leads us to another good buying behavior – buying in bulk. If you see a great deal that requires you to buy in bulk, why not stock up on it now and figure out creative ways you can store it and use it in your meal preparation. For instance, buy pints of blueberries when they’re at their best and freeze some for pies or smoothies later.
Brainstorm Meals Ahead of Time
Many farmer’s markets will have a list of vendors on their website. You can scope out what you think will be available and brainstorm healthy meals that you can purchase the supplies for at the farmers market. By heading in with a list, you might be less distracted and figure out a way to budget for the experience.
One thing to remember though is this, the food that you’re buying should be fresh and local and might be best in a simple recipe rather than a complex one. For instance, let the greens you’re getting shine by creating a simple but tasty salad.
Talk to the Vendors
Many of the vendors at farmer’s markets are excited and passionate about what they do. While being respectful of their time, talk to the vendors of the booth to find out more about what they do, which of their items they’re selling are their favorite, and what might be best for your own taste. You can also ask them how they prepare their produce or items, which could lead you to learning a new favorite recipe.
Make the Most of These Local Farmers Markets
Looking for a nearby farmer’s market you can practice your new skills at? Check out some of the local farmer’s markets we’ve found below:
West Lafayette Farmers Market
Wednesdays: May – October from 3:30 pm to 7 pm at Cumberland Park, 3065 N Salisbury, West Lafayette, IN.
Lafayette
Saturdays: May – October from 8 am to 12:30 pm on 5th Street Between Main & Columbia.
Monticello:
Tuesdays: June 6-August 8 from 4 pm to 7 pm on Constitution Plaza (Courthouse Square) Downtown Monticello, IN.
Saturdays: May 20-October 28 from am-1pm at 1210 N. Sixth Street, Monticello, IN at BJ Winger’s Parking lot.
If you have any suggestions for other farmer’s markets we can add to this list, email us at familyhcoutreach@gmail.com!
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