Navigating the Farmers Market
Written by Erin Friar Mcdermott / Photography by Steve Mason, George Doyle, Getty Images /So many tables, so many offerings—where to begin? It can be intimidating to enter a farmers’ market, with artisanal this and organic, grass-fed that. But the reality is much more simple: just trust your nose and taste buds and follow a few basic rules to be a friend to your local farmers, and get the most from your visit.
Tips for Foraging
BRING BAGS. Keep farmers’ costs to a minimum (and be green) by coming prepared with baskets, totes or small containers for the most delicate produce.
GO EARLY. The day begins with the best selection and the best parking spots. Supplies are limited for in-demand items—like first-of-the-season tomatoes and strawberries—so be prepared to beat the crowd.
TAKE A LAP. What’s in season this week? Who’s that new vendor? Who’s selling similar products—and what’s the difference? Chart a course to pick up the items needing refrigeration last.
ACCEPT IMPERFECTIONS. If you demand flawless conformity in your food, stick with the robo-produce offered by giant supermarket chains. But for the best flavor from the freshest source, look past the little holes in the lettuce leaves and choose local.
ASK ABOUT THE SOURCE. Farmers are usually more than happy to tell you how and where their products were grown. Ask for a farmer’s email or phone number if you have questions that can’t be answered in the bustle of the market. Be suspicious of goods that seem odd for your climate or carry telltale source stickers.
ACCEPT THAT YOU MAY PAY A BIT MORE. Small farmers can’t beat the large discount chains’ prices—they’re not getting rich off farmers’ markets. You’re eating fresher and helping to sustain the local food supply chain. If a product is beyond your budget, wait a week. Prices come down if supplies grow.
TRY SOMETHING NEW. Chef Seth Caswell says he loves the surprises he finds at markets in the Northwest, from obscure apple varieties to lesser-known breeds of cherries and cranberries grown for the export market. Not sure how to prepare something? Ask the farmer for ideas.
Find Farm Fresh Food Near You
Find a farmers’ market or CSA At www.LocalHarvest.org, you can search by city, state or ZIP Code for a farmers’ market or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture farm) near you. CSAs are taking off all over the country—buy a share and work a few hours to take home a box of local produce from spring to fall.
Add an App For $2.99, the Locavore iPhone App can pinpoint the markets closest to you and even show what’s in season and what’s coming soon.
Friend your farmers Many farms on Facebook are giving on-the-ground reports, from the birth of spring lambs and the ups and downs of weather to previews of what’s ready to go to market.
