How to Shop a Farmers’ Market | Family Economics

By Tiffany

Shopping at a local farmers’ market is a summertime ritual, but often I come away a bit disappointed. I tend to approach the experience too much like shopping at a grocery store, but I also hold false expectations that I’ll find perfect tomatoes, corn on the cob, peaches, melons, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries all at fantastic prices. Since those foods are not in season at the same time, I’m sure to be let down.

Recently, I asked a group of women who are all seasoned farmers’ market shoppers to share their tips with me. With their advice in mind, I know I’ll be a happier shopper.

• When you first arrive, walk the whole market to get a sense of what is available and the prices. A friend of mine shared her approach, “Another thing I like to do is to travel the whole market once around to get a feel for who has what; then I go back for the things I want. There are some things though that I simply only buy from a certain farmer because there is a history there and I know the product meets my standards.”

• Talk with the sellers. They can share everything from the growing process to recipes. They can also tell you what will be available next week. If you like an item they sell, such as strawberries or blueberries ask if they have a U-Pick farm. You might be able to plan a fun outing and get a better deal on a quantity of produce.

• Some sellers offer samples. “I also keep my eyes open for a booth with samples, because that usually means that whatever produce they're offering samples of is uncommonly tasty, and I usually end up buying some,” says another friend of mine.

• Go early for the best selection.

• On the other hand, going late may yield a better deal. Many sellers don’t want to have to haul home items that didn’t sell and might be willing to take less money. In general though, farmers’ markets are not places to find great deals. Prices tend to be a bit more than in the grocery, but the quality is much better.

• Plan your menus after your shopping trip. You’ll want to be sure to include the locally bought produce in your meals for the week. Also, if you plan ahead of time, you might find the item you’re looking for. 

Armed with these tips, maybe we can all come away from a farmers market shopping trip with the fixings for a great meal like one of my friends did. “Our favorite meal ever came from the St. Paul farmers’ market last spring. We bought a baguette, Tilsit cheese, radishes, spring onions, and early strawberries from the market (oh, and some locally made pretzels). That evening we made open-faced toasted cheese sandwiches on the baguette, topped with thinly sliced radishes and charred spring onions. The strawberries were on the side with the pretzels. Amazing meal.”