It’s not rocket science when it comes to why we go to Farmers Markets. Buy local – support local. Cathy Isom explains how to shop smarter at your local Farmer’s Market. That story’s ahead on This Land of Ours.
Shop Smarter at Farmers Markets
From: Modern Farmer
7 Ways to Shop Smarter at the Farmers Market
As we move into the late-summer glory season of the farmers market, that hallowed time of year when it seems everything sold outdoors is perfectly delicious, it’s worth thinking a little bit more deeply and critically of our farmers market shopping strategies.
It’s harder to go wrong at a farmers market than a grocery store, but we wouldn’t want anyone to make any shopping (or etiquette) mistakes that could detract from the experience. Here are a few tips to get the most from the markets.
1. Embrace Whole Vegetables
Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes are sometimes sold both whole, with greens attached, and trimmed, as merely a bunch of roots. Always opt for the whole version. They’ll last longer than the trimmed roots, for one thing, but more importantly, the greens are both edible and delicious. Washed carefully, they all make a great, earthy pesto, and radish and beet greens can be prepared the same way as chard or kale. Free bonus food!
2. Think of Time and Place
The crates of apples can be appealing in the hot days of summer, but those apples have been sitting in industrial refrigerators since they were harvested last fall, losing flavor and texture the whole time. Have a peach instead! The same thing applies to locality: if you’re in the Northeast or Midwest, don’t bother with bananas or avocados. If you’re in California, well, pretty much everything can be grown there. Nevermind, and congratulations. Epicurious has a helpful map laying out what’s in season and where.
Video from: Mind Over Munch