One of the best parts about summer and autumn is all the fresh produce that’s readily available. If you live in a city, though, it may be difficult to get high-quality locally-sourced produce near you. Luckily most urban areas have at least one regular farmers market, and some may have multiple locations or multiple days of operation. A quick internet search will let you know any options near you, and read below for 5 reasons check out your local farmers market instead of your nearby chain grocery.
1) Fresh, local produce – As shown by the growing popularity of farm-to-table restaurants, the best food is produced locally and has the least amount of process between being harvested and getting to you. Some local grocery stores do source locally, but most of the time that comes with a hefty price tag. If certified organic is important to you make sure to ask, because not all farmers markets require farmers to have that certification.
2) Become a better cook – No matter what level of experience you have in the kitchen you can appreciate and benefit good quality ingredients. You may also be introduced to produce you’ve never seen or cooked with before and can expand your culinary repertoire. If you’re not sure what something is feel free to ask the farmer. They’ll be happy to explain what it is, its flavor profile, and their favorite way to prepare it.
3) Make farmer friends – Even if you live in the city it can be beneficial to chat up and make friends with the local farmers selling their goods at the farmers market. Most farmers, especially those with smaller farms, will gladly accept help if you’re willing and able to volunteer to work from them. If you’re not able to help in that way simply being friendly will help you appreciate the local agriculture community and learn about the produce.
4) Use produce that’s peak in its season – Anyone who’s had a sweet, juicy strawberry in June can tell the difference between it and a berry you find on a grocery shelf in the middle of winter. While agriculture advancements do let us find just about any product at any time of the year, it’s no secret that the best tasting fruits and vegetables are those in season. Not to mention strawberries in December are much more expensive than those straight from the farmer in June. Farmers markets also typically allow you to purchase in bulk to save even more money on the best tasting produce.
5) Experience local culture – It’s no secret that an area’s culture is deeply rooted in its cuisine. There’s a reason there are so many successful food and cooking shows centered around getting to know a person or their heritage through their family recipes. While you may not see middle America as being the biggest proponent of unique culture, farmers markets can show there’s more than just corn in Missouri. For example, unique fruits to the US are the pawpaw and persimmon, both grown all throughout the Midwest but not usually readily available in the grocery store.