There are two events a week that hold a permanent gold starred spot in my iCal. Can you guess? The Wednesday and Saturday farmer’s markets. I still hit up my local Trader Joes or Whole Foods occasionally, but diligently try to buy most everything from the local markets. Number one downfall to this scheme is the expense. Buying fresh produce and farm raised meats and dairy is more expensive then buying from a superstore like Walmart.
Supporting local farmers and their bounty of succulent goods doesn’t have to break the bank though. Like a stock broker you just have to learn how to work the market. Eat local, eat organic, eat cheap, by delving into my top 16 tips for getting the most from your local farmers market.
1.) Go a few times per week– buy only what you can carry. A great way to be minimal, cut back on consumption, waste and fit some more exercise into your day!
2.) Scout the market out first– this way you can find the deals and best looking produce.
3.) Zero in on organics you can’t live without-Do you know about the dirty dozen? They are the fruit and veggies with the highest pesticide load. You’ll want to buy the dirty dozen organically grown.
4.) Purchase conventional staples at grocery store– buy your produce, meats, dairy at the market.
5.) Buy at peak season– don’t try to buy stuff out of season it will be much more expensive.
6.) Take only as much cash as you want to spend– challenge yourself to get as much as you can with the pocket money you have. Fun game!
7.) Buy eggs– they fill you up and are cheap. Farm fresh are better quality and usually more humanely raised!
8.) Think about what’s going to fill you up for the price– lentils check, green onion a special buy.
9.) Carnivore? Look for cheaper cuts (ie. shoulder, flank) of quality meats.
10.) Go early or late– early birds get the pick of the litter, but late bloomers snag some great deals when farmers are closing up shop.
11.) Plan meals out in advance– this takes some time, but saves money and waste.
12.) Go for volume and spread out produce this means we must learn how to care for and store produce.
13.) Bring bags and wheels– no need for plastic bags and driving when we can carry. Reusable bags and wheeled carts rule!
14.) Ask the farmers– don’t know how to cook an eggplant? Pick your farmers brain for their secret recipes and storing tips. Chat with them about their growing process and show them your support for organics and humane animal care.
15.) Don’t be afraid to ask about discounts or bargain– especially at the end of a market day. Farmers are practically give the produce away so they don’t have to lug it home or let it go to waste.
16.) Learn how to prep whole foods– beets aren’t naturally soft and bright red? Picking up whole veggies is quite different then snapping up a bag of perfectly cut and ready to eat items from the grocery store.
So you see, the farmers market doesn’t have to be scary, overpriced and inconvenient. Even if you can’t afford to buy much, the community feel at the farmers market is enough to make anyone smile. Locavore’s unite!
What are your farmers market tips?
….
Supporting local farmers and their bounty of succulent goods doesn’t have to break the bank though. Like a stock broker you just have to learn how to work the market. Eat local, eat organic, eat cheap, by delving into my top 16 tips for getting the most from your local farmers market.
1.) Go a few times per week– buy only what you can carry. A great way to be minimal, cut back on consumption, waste and fit some more exercise into your day!
2.) Scout the market out first– this way you can find the deals and best looking produce.
3.) Zero in on organics you can’t live without-Do you know about the dirty dozen? They are the fruit and veggies with the highest pesticide load. You’ll want to buy the dirty dozen organically grown.
4.) Purchase conventional staples at grocery store– buy your produce, meats, dairy at the market.
5.) Buy at peak season– don’t try to buy stuff out of season it will be much more expensive.
6.) Take only as much cash as you want to spend– challenge yourself to get as much as you can with the pocket money you have. Fun game!
7.) Buy eggs– they fill you up and are cheap. Farm fresh are better quality and usually more humanely raised!
8.) Think about what’s going to fill you up for the price– lentils check, green onion a special buy.
9.) Carnivore? Look for cheaper cuts (ie. shoulder, flank) of quality meats.
10.) Go early or late– early birds get the pick of the litter, but late bloomers snag some great deals when farmers are closing up shop.
11.) Plan meals out in advance– this takes some time, but saves money and waste.
12.) Go for volume and spread out produce this means we must learn how to care for and store produce.
13.) Bring bags and wheels– no need for plastic bags and driving when we can carry. Reusable bags and wheeled carts rule!
14.) Ask the farmers– don’t know how to cook an eggplant? Pick your farmers brain for their secret recipes and storing tips. Chat with them about their growing process and show them your support for organics and humane animal care.
15.) Don’t be afraid to ask about discounts or bargain– especially at the end of a market day. Farmers are practically give the produce away so they don’t have to lug it home or let it go to waste.
16.) Learn how to prep whole foods– beets aren’t naturally soft and bright red? Picking up whole veggies is quite different then snapping up a bag of perfectly cut and ready to eat items from the grocery store.
So you see, the farmers market doesn’t have to be scary, overpriced and inconvenient. Even if you can’t afford to buy much, the community feel at the farmers market is enough to make anyone smile. Locavore’s unite!
What are your farmers market tips?
….
