10 Tips You Need to Know When Shopping at Farmers Markets
Written by Beatrice Walker / August 24, 2021
Every time I travel to a new city one of the first things that is always at the top of my to-do list is to visit the local farmers market. Shopping at farmers markets is the best way to get in season, local, fresh produce. I started shopping at farmers markets a few years ago when I lived in NYC because my job at the time happened to be right across the street from the Union Square Farmers Market (which is every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday so if you’re in NYC go check it out).
To be honest the reason why it took me so long to start going to farmers markets is because they made me feel intimidated, unsure, and a little nervous. You might hear this and think it sounds odd, but I didn’t grow up going to farmers markets. The typical big, brightly lit, white tiled floor, and fully stocked aisles of brick and mortar grocery stores were all I had ever known. I’m also not the only person I know who felt this way. Many of my friends seemed to avoid farmers markets altogether just because of how unfamiliar they seemed to be. I guess there is always some anxiety that comes with trying something new, and wanting to avoid feeling dumb because you aren’t doing it right.
There are so many benefits of shopping at local farmers markets. The first being able to have access to amazingly fresh produce that lasts longer, which will in turn reduce food waste. Another is that you’ll be supporting local farmers and small businesses which is super important! I’ve also discovered so many different varieties of produce that I had never seen or tasted before so it’s a really great way to expand your palette and try new things. Shopping at a farmers market might seem a little overwhelming if you’ve never been to one, but after your first visit I guarantee you’ll start to visit them regularly. Below is a list of tips to help you navigate your local farmers market a little bit better.
1.Timing is important
Always double check what time the farmers market opens and closes. They usually start very early in the morning around 6 or 7AM and end in the early afternoon. Going early to the FM versus going later in the day has its pros and cons. Early morning is usually much less crowded so you’ll get the best selection of produce. However, I learned that if you go later in the day, say an hour before closing, you can get some really insane deals on produce. They’re practically giving it all away the last hour because the farmers just want to sell as much as possible. The only con is that most of everything has been picked over so if you have a specific item you’re looking for it’s best to go earlier in the day.
2. Bring reusable shopping bags
This is extremely important! The only bags available at FMs’ are small plastic produce bags. Vendors do not provide shopping bags so make sure you bring at least one, if not multiple large, reusable shopping bags. If you plan on buying a lot of bulk produce bring a wagon or granny cart. If you don’t have a bag with you, vendors usually have empty produce boxes laying around (they’ll give them to you for free) that you can use to hold your produce in.
3. Look for organic vendor signs
If you’re looking specifically for organic produce, look for vendors that have a certified organic banner or sign. Just because you’re shopping at a FM doesn’t mean that all of the vendors there are organic. There will be a clear sign hanging from the vendor tent stating that they are. If the vendor does not have an organic sign posted, it most likely means they are not organic, but you can always ask them just in case you might have missed it.
4. Have a list, or not.
A list can be useful if you’re on a time crunch, or wanting to plan a specific meal with specific items in mind, but if not just vibe! I typically like to have a list with me so I can get as much of my produce that I need for the week, but I also love trying new things, and account for part of my produce purchases to be spontaneous. I keep my list in my notes app just to make it easy.
5. Bring Cash
Some vendors accept electronic payments like cards and Venmo, but not all. There are usually a few ATM’s located throughout the FM, but they usually have high withdrawal fees, so I suggest bringing a little cash with you just in case.
6. Talk to the farmers
In my experience, all of the farmers I’ve chatted with have been extremely friendly. They’re genuinely excited to talk to their customers and are ready to answer any questions you might have! Examples of questions to ask are: What’s in peak season right now? What’s going out of season? What are your favorite items right now? How do you cook/prepare them?
7. Get breakfast or lunch from a prepared food vendor while you’re there
If there’s one thing you must do at the FM it’s to try at least one of the prepared food vendors that are there. There’s usually lots of different vendors selling already prepared and hot foods in a dedicated area. I’ve tried so many different and delicious foods at FMs’ from homemade pupusas and tamales, to vegan fruit cobblers, rotisserie chicken, fresh fruit juices, kefir and so much more. So I encourage you to get breakfast or lunch (or both) while you’re visiting, you will not regret it!
8. Don’t bring your pets
I personally don’t own a dog, but one time I went to a FM with one of my friends who does have one, and halfway through the market, a security guard approached us, and kindly let us know that the only pets allowed are service animals. I’m not certain if every FM has rules like this, but just in case I would recommend not bringing your pup the first time you go. There will usually be signs like the one above that will let you know if pets are/n’t allowed.
9. Be mindful of entrances + exits
Because of Covid precautions some FMs’ have certain entry and exit points that are monitored in order to keep count of the number of people that are there. This can be a bit annoying, because if you approach an exit only point you will be directed to walk around (possibly a few blocks) to an entrance only point.
10. Wash your produce
Don’t be alarmed, but yes some of your produce will have a little dirt on it (it was literally pulled out of the ground hours before you bought it) so yes you should wash it when you get home, which really isn’t out of the norm since you should also be washing any produce that you buy from a grocery store as well.