10 Tips for Shopping a Farmers Market
NEW YORK (MainStreet)If you like knowing where your produce comes from and asking questions about the food you put on your table, you've probably visited one of the many farmers markets that are popping up in communities across the country. The USDA reports that the number of farmers markets registered in its National Farmers Market Directory was 7,864 in 2012, but the popularity of farmers markets is hardly surprising. Unlike your average supermarket, farmers markets sell locally grown products directly from the farmers themselves, providing Americans with a more personal connection to the people who produce their food. Of course, navigating the many booths and wide variety of products you'll find at a farmers market can be overwhelming, requiring smart strategies to snag the best deals. Here are some tips from the experts on how to get the most for your money at your next farmers market visit.
Before visiting a farmers market, head online to find out what produce is in season, then search for tasty recipes that incorporate these ingredients, suggests Jeff Cole, executive director of Mass Farmers Markets, a non-profit organization that provides support services for farmers markets in Massachusetts. Jot down the ingredients and take the shopping list with you so you know what to purchase for upcoming meals. You should also consider visiting the websites of farmers markets in your area to get an idea of what you can expect to find. "On the website you may be able to find out which farmers and vendors attend the market and what products they will have that week," Cole says.
Farmers markets can carry everything from fruits and veggies to meats, cheeses, jams and desserts. While the selection can be wide, be sure to browse as many booths as you can before deciding which items you'd like to purchase. "Make a lap around the farmers market before you buy anything to compare variety, quality and prices between vendors," says Erin Huffstetler, who writes the Frugal Living Guide for About.com. "Prices can vary considerably from one seller to the next. You may find that one has a great deal on tomatoes, while another has a great deal on blueberries."
Have a question about a farm's growing practices or how to prepare an unusual vegetable? If so, don't be afraid to ask. "The beauty of shopping at a farmers market is that you can often speak directly to the person who has grown, raised or made your food," says Mona Johnson, communications manager for Portland Farmers Market. Farmers can also provide you with valuable information about the variety, texture and flavor of produce. "Since farmers have the advantage of growing multiple varieties of crops and tasting them right in the field before bringing them to market for you, take advantage of their knowledge by asking questions," says Cole. Other questions you might want to ask a farmer on your visit, Cole suggests, include "Did you raise this on your farm?", "When was it picked? ", "What is your favorite variety and why?", and "Do you have a favorite way of eating and cooking it or any recipes you could recommend?"
Getting to know the farmers who produce your food won't just provide you with extra knowledge, but it might get you a better deal, too. "If you buy from the same people week after week, you're more likely to get a price break or an extra item thrown in," says Huffstetler.
While we can't guarantee that haggling will be effective everywhere, it's worth a try if you think an item is priced too high or if you're buying items in bulk. "Don't be afraid to ask for a better deal, especially if you're buying a large quantity of something," says Huffstetler.
If you want the best selection, hit the farmers markets early. "Vendors can sell out of popular or limited items before day's end," says Johnson. However, those who shop late can often get the best deals. "Shop at the end of the day if you want rock-bottom prices," says Huffstetler. "Farmers don't want to have to haul all of that unsold produce home, so they'll be ready to deal."
Although you might be tempted to purchase your favorite fruit or veggie at the start of the season, it's best to hold off a little while. "Let someone else buy those first-of-the-season blueberries or tomatoesif you wait and buy at the peak of the season, you'll get a much better deal," says Huffstetler. "Bounty makes for bargains."
Although it's a good idea to come with a shopping list, don't be afraid to explore and discover new items that weren't on your radar. "Stay on the lookout for great deals and be open to trying new or unusual varieties," says Johnson. And don't discriminate simply based on looks. "Sometimes vendors offer produce 'seconds'items that still taste great but may not look perfectat a great price," Johnson adds.
Unless you're certain that a farmers market accepts checks or credit cards, be sure to stop at the ATM first since some farmers markets only take cash. "It's always your best bet to have cash on hand," says Johnson.
Check beforehand to find out whether a farmers market provides carts or baskets. If notor if you're just interested in being eco-friendlyconsider bringing your own reusable shopping bags, baskets or boxes, suggests Johnson. It's also a good idea to purchase heavy items last or ask the staff if there's a safe place where you can leave your heavy items while you shop, Johnson adds. Written by Kristin Colella for MainStreet