The Best Part Of Summer; Farmers Markets!

I’m so excited! I’m finally going to make it to the farmers market here in town! No more 45-minute trips to Sacramento for fresh produce for me.

As much as I enjoyed the market in Sac it was really just getting to be too much to drive down there every week. So I’m super happy that the one up here is now open as well as all the farms.

I know you know I’m a big fan of farmers markets but I’m not sure if you know why. There really are so many reasons that I think markets are great.

First, I’ve found that the farmers are super friendly and will happily answer any questions you have. For example, I’ve found that most farmers at farmers markets use organic growing methods even if they don’t have a “ certified organic” sign. It costs a lot of money to get certified so if you don’t see a sign just ask. I think they actually like when you ask if they use pesticides because I always get very enthusiastic no’s when I ask that question.



Another thing that I’ve found is that if you take the time to get to know them they’ll take the time to remember you and what it is you like. I’ve gotten extra good pickings and even the occasional discount this way. The farmers also tend to have great recipes or serving suggestions for all their produce which makes trying something new a little less intimidating. Plus it just makes you feel that much more connected to the food that you’re buying and feeding to your family, in my opinion anyways.



Something else that I’ve learned is to go early. Like I mentioned yesterday, if you wait and go later there may not be as much of a selection left. It was kind of hard for me to get to the market in Sac when it opened since it was a bit of drive but my goal now that the one here is open is to be there as close to 8 as possible. So many times I’ve gone to a market a couple hours after it’s opened and not been able to get what I want because they had already sold out. This was especially disappointing after driving 45 minutes to get there. Also it's a lot easier to ask all those questions when they're not swamped with customers. I’ve heard that if you get there near to the end you can get extra deals because the farmers really need to sell what’s left. As long as you don’t mind having less selection this could work for you, not me but maybe you. ;)

And just like when you go to the grocery store, always, always, always bring your own bags. The farmers can weigh your produce without a bag and then you can put it all in your own bags. I like to bring lots of bags because I think the produce does better if it’s not all squished together in one bag. Another thing that I think I’m going to start using is one of those wheeled carts. Not the sexiest thing to be pulling around but it would make carrying everything a lot easier.



I also love going to the market because it supports local farmers and families. Organic produce from the store is great but buying it locally is even better I think. There's hardly any transport and you can't get much fresher since the foods are generally just picked before selling. And you know I love that there's never any excess packaging. There are no berries in plastic clam shells or pre-packaged carrots.

Shopping at the farmers market just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. If you haven't gone yet I highly recommend finding one near you and heading over, you won't regret it.

So anyways, those are my tips for having a great market experience, what are yours?