Shopping a Farmer’s Market

Outfit Details: Chambray shirt – F21 similar Rubbish Chambray Boyfriend Shirt (Juniors), Pants – Target or similar Hue Denim Leggings, Blouse – F21 in stores, Flip Flops – HM (last year), Turquoise Necklace – Street vendor in Mexico similar found HERE, Ring – Golden Bear, Silver Hoops – F21, Bracelet – Tiffany & Company, Polish – Gelish in Pink Smoothie

Let’s be honest, even after all my ambitious attempts, my pink thumb has never been one for gardening. Thankfully cute coveralled farmers know the ropes. As such, all summer long we stay clear of the grocery store and shop from local farmers.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years that have come in handy when shopping at the market…
 
 

COME PREPARED
Bring cash. Many vendors don’t accept credit cards. Bring your own bags, cooler, and/or baskets. Something sturdy will keep your produce from bruising. And if you plan on buying meat you’ll need a small cooler to keep it cold. Speaking of meat… it’s probably our #1 reason for shopping markets. The majority of meat farmers who go to markets raise hormone & antibiotic free meats that are grassfed and free range. You’ll pay a whole lot less for the highest quality of meat. The taste alone will have you going back each week.
 
SHOP EARLY
Arrive first thing in the am when possible. Many farmers will sell out of their highly sought after goods (again, especially meat). Plus, the crowds will be low and you’ll be able to shop without having to throw elbows with grandma who’s rummaging through every daggum peach. Who likes mushy bruised peaches, anyway?
 
BE OBSERVANT
Unfortunately there are some farmers who aren’t “legit” and try to pull a fast one on ya. Look around on the ground. Do you see large boxes labeled california or florida (when you live thousands of miles away from either)? Chances are, your market isn’t cool enough for them to commute via airplane each week. Are they selling apples in August when apples clearly aren’t in season? Hmmm. Red flag. Stay clear of sketchy faux farmers! Tisk tisk.
 
HEALTH BENEFITS
Yay! I bought at a farmer’s market which means I’m feeding my family HEALTHY produce that’s straight from the farm! Hold it right there. Just because it came from a farm doesn’t make it more “healthy.” Talk to the farmer. Ask him to tell you what he treats his produce with. Many are organic farmers (which is a HUGE YAY!). But many use oodles of pesticides. Hopefully they’ll tell you straight up. But if you’re questioning their validity, ask for a sample. Taste it. Does it have a funny after taste? That’d be the chemicals and pesticides talking. Nasty.
 
PROTECT YOUR PURCHASES
Place delicate greens in a plastic bag, blow air into it, and tie it off like a balloon. It’ll keep the leaves from bruising. When you get home, try not to refrigerate when possible. Berries, tomatoes, and most vegetables are best kept at room temp (which also preserves their flavor). The exception being greens, which will rot quickly without being chilled. Fresh herbs can be kept in a vase of water in the fridge to keep them fresh for days.

 
PSST! ONE LAST TIP
Let’s talk picking summer’s staple: watermelon! Are you one to knock on each one waiting for the right one to answer you like a bad knock-knock joke? My whole life I’ve thought that knocking to hear a “hollow” sound was the way to pick the perfect one. Just recently I learned a SURE way…

1) Look for one with a large yellow spot (It means it stayed in the same position on the ground until ripe. Ones without the spot are premature)
2) Pick it up. If it’s heavy, it’s juicy.
3) Knock. Yes, if it sounds hollow it’ll be crisp!