Are you ready to enjoy great tasting tomatoes or corn on the cob? But, don’t have a garden? Don’t worry. You can get delicious produce at your local Farmers’ Market.
Farmers’ Markets provide locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables and many other items. Since the food is grown locally and often picked the same day that you buy it, quality is at its peak. Additionally, you will find that produce purchased at farmer’s markets often has more flavor, making it taste better than what you purchase at the grocery store.
Buying locally can:
- Help the local economy
- Provide high quality food that tastes better
- Provide fresh produce with more nutrients
- Be more economical as prices are lower for most produce
You can find a Farmers’ Market in your area by checking the USDA website.
Tips for the best experience:
- Check the website or Facebook Page of the Farmers’ Market before you go. The website can provide you with what foods will be available that week as well as upcoming weeks. Names of vendors are also usually included on the webpage. The USDA search site above will list the webpage URL.
- Different foods will be ripe throughout the summer. Berries, onions, cabbage, greens, herbs and broccoli are available at my Farmers’ Market now. Soon there will be fresh corn on the cob and tomatoes, in addition to other produce. Check the website to find out what is in season in Ohio.
- Take cash, as many vendors do not accept debit or credit cards. Many do take WIC and SNAP-ED cards for payment.
- Take a reusable grocery bag for your purchases.
- Walk about the market and check out what the vendors have available before purchasing. Some vendors specialize while others sell many items. Ask if they grew the items themselves and when they were picked.
- Buy produce you enjoy, but be willing to try something new. You may find something you didn’t know you liked.
- Be prepared to be tempted by delicious baked goods. Many are high in calories, so limiting your purchases may be necessary.
- Many Farmers’ Markets also allow crafters to sell their wares.
- Protect yourself by wearing sunscreen and a hat. Enjoy your walk around the Farmers’ Market.
- If you need to do other errands after your trip to the Farmers’ Market, have a cooler in your car to keep your produce fresh.
Tomatoes and fresh corn on the cob are coming soon to your Farmers’ Market.
