I am very fortunate to live in a neighborhood where during the summer and fall, there is a farmers market at the end of my street and during the winter and spring, there is an indoor one just a mile away. The markets in my neighborhood are more than just a place to buy fruit, vegetables, and other delicious things. They are a meeting place to catch up with neighbors and friends, listen to music and speak with the vendors I have come to know over the years.
When my kids were little they liked going to the market with me. They would play on the playground while I shopped and we would hang out after for some frozen lemonade. Now, I am lucky to get a goodbye as I walk out the door, which is usually accompanied by a request for a muffin or cookie. (All the perks with none of the effort – the story of their lives!!) Even without my trusty sidekicks, I still gear much of my farmers market shopping around family meals. Here are a few tips on how to maximize the greatness of a market.
1. ARRIVE EARLY – At this time of year, if you do not get to the market when it opens you will likely miss out on goodies such as fresh berries or the best tomatoes. They sell fast and are in limited quantities. Later in the season, these things may be in abundance, but given the long winter, these items are gone quickly.
2. TRY NEW THINGS – My son has never been a big believer in trying new foods. However, when I bring it home from the market he is more likely to try it. I have a 9-year-old eating kale chips regularly and last year he tried blackberries and rainbow carrots. It helps when I tell my kids where things were grown and they know it is going to be much fresher than from the supermarket.
3. MEAL PLANNING – I like to go to the farmers market before heading to the supermarket. My typical routine is to get as much as I can and then go home and plan the menu for the week around what I found. It makes me feel good about supporting local farmers and just filling in the blanks at a traditional supermarket. It also gets me to think more creatively about what I put on the table.
4. KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES – The one challenge with a farmers market can be the cost. Not everyone can or wants to spend $5 or $6 on a small container of strawberries or $4 for a pound of tomatoes. However, there are solutions to make supporting local farmers more cost-effective. You can join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), buy in bulk or sometimes, if you go to the market right before closing, you can get some good deals. Tell yourself what you are willing to spend extra on and where you draw the line. For me, I would rather pay more for lettuce and other fresh greens, tomatoes and corn, but I tend to shy away from some of the prepared foods. For you, it may be just the opposite.
Overall, I recommend that you find a local market and take advantage, not just for the food, but for the experience of being part of the community. My market is the Hope Street Farmers Market in Lippitt Park, Providence, but you can also search for a farmers market near you. Happy eating!!
