Farmer’s Market Survival Guide

Take public transportation or be prepared to walk. Unlike the supermarket, it’s difficult to park close since often streets are blocked in and around the market.

Take plenty of cash. It makes each transaction faster as the vendors typically aren’t “wired” for credit cards (think carbon copies.) And, it’s an easy way to work backwards against a budget.

Get there early for good selection. There is no “back room” that magically restocks the shelves. When these vendors are out of goods, they pack up and head home, especially considering most of them got on the road before dawn to bring their food to your neighborhood.

Don’t be surprised if the produce is dirty—there aren’t fancy cases that “rain’ and “thunder” atop the fruits and veggies. Not to mention organic produce isn’t always pretty. Meanwhile there are other vendors with carefully handled, triple-washed produce, it just depends.

Talk to the vendors. If you are unsure about a new ingredient or vendor, ask for a recipe or better yet, a sample. Vendors love to give samples and while you may go on an empty stomach you can leave full of samples of cheese, berries, fruit, and milk.

If you don’t have anything nice to say…Unlike a supermarket where your criticism of the products will likely go unnoticed, at a farmer’s market, you are speaking directly with the person who grew your food. If something doesn’t look so great, bypass it and ask for a recommendation. Growers are proud of their offerings, and they’ll relish the chance to show off their best.

Expect a wide array of produce. You’ll be surprised by how a seasonal selection offers many new and unusual foods. And, if you can’t find something, chances are, a few tables down you’ll find what you were looking for as their specialties vary. You should have no trouble picking up two-thirds of your grocery list at a farmer’s market.

Try the meat, you won’t be disappointed. Many people think they can’t find meats at a farmer’s market, but usually there are a few meat vendors with all the cuts you’d find at your supermarket and even more. When is the last time you saw spicy goat sausage at Giant?

Take your own bag(s). A good sized market bag is a lifesaver for you and the vendors as it cuts down on their overhead and allows you to really stock up. Maybe bring a cooler sack for meats and cheeses and a mesh bag for produce.

Hit Starbucks after the farmer’s market. While for many of us, chain establishments are a fact of life, canvassing a farmer’s market with a fast food container or coffee chain drink in your hand doesn’t send the farmer’s a strong message of support.