Top Secrets of Your Local Farmers Market

There is more to your local farmers market than meets the eye. Here are some secrets to enhance your market experience.

1. Where Am I?
First of all, look around. Do you see booths selling cotton candy and wind chimes in addition to vendors of brussels sprouts and flowers? If so, you are probably not at a bona fide farmers market. You are most likely at a street carnival or commercially sponsored fair. Legislation established some 30 years ago requires real farmers markets to be operated by the farmers themselves, by municipalities or by non-profit organizations. True farmers markets concentrate on farm-grown produce and plants, not on processed foods and crafts. Nothing annoys a serious farmer more than to have someone wander up to their booth with a corn dog in one hand and a macramé hammock in the other saying, “I’ve got 75 cents left. What can I get for that?”

2. Is This Organic?
Most farmers markets have a special area reserved for the Certified Organic growers. These are farmers who are in compliance with the rigorous government requirements of organic production and have bragging rights to certify their product. However, many of the growers outside the Certified circle abide by organic principles and offer organic produce. They may not have the budget or personnel to comply with the official inspections and paperwork to earn their certification. If you are seeking organic foods, simply ask the vendor.

3. How Do I Cook This?
Chances are, you are going to encounter some unfamiliar produce at your farmers market. The growers often bring produce that isn’t common to the large grocery stores. That is what makes buying direct from the grower such an exciting and educational experience. When you come across a fruit or vegetable new to you, ask the vendor about proper ripeness, how to peel it, how to seed it, or how to cook it. Many vendors will give you preparation advice and some even have printed recipes upon request.

Often the farmers market produce is not going to look as cosmetically perfect as its grocery store counterparts.

Credit: bigfoto

Copyright: bigfoto