If this past weekend is any indication, we are skipping Spring this year and headed straight for Summer – which is completely okay by me! Not only do the sunny skies and the warm Summer air keep me motivated to work out throughout the season, but the seasonal fruits and vegetables make it easy to eat whole, clean foods and skip the sugary processed junk. After all, there’s nothing more appealing than a bowl of cool, fresh fruit on a hot summer day.
With the warm weather also comes farmer’s market season, making it easier than ever to find fresh fruits and vegetables and support your local farmers. Below I’ve compiled eight simple tips to help you make the most of your trip to the farmer’s market and fill your fridge with delicious, locally-grown and paleo-approved food for the upcoming week.
Pick the right time. Check the hours of the market and go early to get the best selection and quality. It is also less crowded when the market first opens so farmers will have more time to answer your questions. If you care more about saving money than getting exactly what you have on your list, try going later. Hitting the farmers market about 30 minutes before it ends is an awesome way to get great deals as most farmers will sell their last bit of produce at a discount rather than take it home.
Walk around the entire market. There is a lot to see and take in at a farmer’s market, especially if you have never been there before. Take your time walking around and visit each vendor to find out what they’re selling and for how much. A good lap around the booths will let you compare the cost and quality of produce at each booth.
Bring small bills. While more and more farmer’s are using mobile payment apps, avoid relying on your credit card at the farmer’s market, instead carry cash and try to bring small bills and change. This will allow you to pay in exact change, which most vendors will appreciate.
Befriend the farmers. Don’t be afraid to ask the farmers questions about the produce they are selling, or just to strike up a friendly conversation. Farmers are often very knowledgeable about how to prepare an unfamiliar vegetables, what types of recipes work best, and how to preserve the produce. As you being to frequent the same farmer’s markets and recognize the farmer’s faces, they will begin to recognize you. As you being to make friends at the market you are also more likely to get a few extra applied in your bag or choice cut of dozen eggs that would have otherwise already sold out.
Make a list, but be flexible. I like to try my best to plan out a week of meals in advance and make a list of the things I need before hitting the farmer’s market. This is a great way to make sure you don’t over buy or forget something that you need for a recipe. However, if something looks particularly good, feel free to deviate from the list. On that same note, don’t fret if the yellow onions are all sold out or the heirloom tomatoes don’t look up to par. You can always stop at the grocery on the way home.
Try new things. This is a great opportunity to step outside if your comfort zone and try something new. The farmer’s will often have samples of their fruits so that you can try their latest pluots (plum and apricot hybrid fruits). Farmer’s are also a great resource if you’d like to try a new vegetable but aren’t quite sure what to do with it.
Don’t skip the dairy stands. These days the vendors at farmer’s markets sell much more than just fruits and vegetables. You will often find farm fresh eggs, 100% grass fed beef, raw local honey and and a variety of other paleo friendly foods. Just be sure to skip the homemade pastas and freshly baked breads.
Bring your own reusable bags. Some farmer’s will provide paper or plastic bags when you make a purchase but those that do often run out quickly. Instead of wasting bags at every vendor, bring your own reusable bags or pick up a tote bag specifically designated for your farmer’s market trips!