Today I'm heading over to a mountain town for a visit. My parents are in town, so we are doing a little sight seeing. Thursdays are also their farmers market day! So of course, we are planning to stop. Since this isn't a Farmers Market I normally go to I'm not sure all they have. But the same principles still apply. Here are some Farmers Market shopping tips:
1. Buying with a Purpose: If you don't learn anything from my blog but this it's about buying food with a purpose. When are you going to eat it and what are you going to make with it. If it goes to waste - that's a waste of money. Same applies to farmers market shopping. When you get there and see at that yummy fresh veggies you may start buying up, but have a plan as to when you will use these goodies. Know what meats you will be cooking with and what meals you have planned for that week. Buy the veggies or items that will compliment these meals. If you go home and don't use what you bought, again it's wasted money and resources.
2. Bring Cash: This not only helps with how much you want to spend, but most stands only take cash.
3. There is Perfection in the imperfect: One thing to keep in mind is that the vegetables at Farmers Markets are not grown to all look alike. You will see differences in shapes, smoothness and so on. The items at the grocery store and only put in there if they meet a certain apperance standard.
4. Get to Know the People: Get to know the people behind the stands. How do they grow their items? Do they use organic methods? What are their favorite ways to prepare something? As them questions. And try new things. If they have eggplant at a stand. Try it and ask how you should make it.
5. BYOB: Bring your own bag. Now is a great time to use that Reusable shopping bag. Place all your items in there and you are on your way!
I hope this helps and encourages you to visit your local farmers market.
If you have other suggestions, please post them below!
