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Farmer’s Market – the 10 commandments.
by Al Hernandez
I love summertime for countless reasons: the weather, longer days, outdoor barbeques and, of course, my local farmer’s market. If you have not discovered your local farmer’s market yet, you have no idea what you are missing! I know some of you out there are thinking “so what? I can get fresh local fruit from my local mega-mart.” Although the local mega-mart has gotten better about carrying local produce, you can’t beat the quality, freshness and variety that you get from a farmer’s market unless you grow it yourself.
Here is a list of “Rules” to follow when discovering your local farmer’s market.
- Throw out your shopping list! You never know what you are going to encounter when you shop at the farmer’s market. Walk the entire market before buying anything. Scope out what is available, compare prices, and sample different produce and fruit so you can make educated buying decisions.
- Don’t overbuy. Fight the temptation to “stock-up” on fresh fruits and vegetables. Because the produce typically is harvested that morning, it is best used within 3 days. After all, the biggest reason for going to the farmer’s market is to get the freshest food possible.
- Shop early. Most farmers and purveyors bring a limited supply of their products and, of course, the best produce and fruit goes first. Also, if your farmer’s market is in the morning, the later it gets, the warmer it gets. The quality of unrefrigerated fruits and vegetables can decline over a few hours.
- Make friends with the farmers. Building relationships is part of the mystique of shopping at farmer’s markets. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Once you have visited with farmers, you will gain a wealth of knowledge on how to best select and prepare their produce. Sometimes they will even give you the VIP treatment with special treats.
- Be adventurous! Farmer’s markets are one of the best places to increase your food knowledge. Buy exotic fruits and vegetables, like lychee fruit and kohlrabi.
- Bring your own bags. Unlike your local mega-mart, most farmer’s markets do not provide carts or bags for your convenience. Be sure to place all of your heavier items to bottom of your bag, ensuring that nothing gets crushed. Beef, chicken or fish should be placed in a separate bag to guard against cross-contamination.
- Bring an ice chest for local cheeses, beef, chicken and fish.
- Go directly home! The quicker you get your produce home, the better. Don’t leave fresh vegetables, ripe fruit, flowers, or anything else in the sweltering heat of your car. This is the quickest way to ruin your purchases.
- Bring Cash. Most farmer’s markets do not accept ATM or credit cards so be sure to have cash on hand for your purchases.
- The most important rule of all, have fun!
I hope I have inspired you to shop at your local farmer’s market. Once you have discovered the wonderful world of the farmer’s market, you will open the possibility for more culinary adventures!
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