How to Make the Most of a Farmer’s Market

With summer well on its way, farmer’s markets in towns and cities are starting to open up. Markets vary by location, and can be anything from a few folding tables lined with produce to a gigantic building that stocks everything under the sun. All that matters is that the food is fresh, and the location is convenient.

Getting your food at a farmer’s market ensures that it’s fresh, local, and seasonal – three things that will improve anyone’s diet. Since farmer’s markets vary widely depending on what’s in season, it’s important to go in with a plan. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your local farmer’s market.

Pick the right time

One of the most important things to know when going to a farmer’s market is when to arrive. Most people believe that you should arrive immediately as it opens. That way, you’re guaranteed the freshest produce, and you’ll have the first choice of products before they get picked over.

The opposing school of thought says that the ideal time to head to a farmer’s market is right before closing. You may not get first choice of fruits and veggies, but everything that’s there will be priced cheaply as vendors are closing up and trying to sell off their stock. Most shoppers don’t like going super early, or too late, so just figure out what your local market’s peak time is, and avoid it like the plague.

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