BankerGirl

Posted by Heidi on June 23rd, 2008 in food, frugal

As far as I’m concerned, the best thing about summer is that it’s farmers’ market season.  Every Saturday morning from mid-May to late October, Gretchen (the dog) and I make our way to the downtown Farmers’ Market for coffee, produce, and a bit of entertainment. 

If you’ve never been to your local farmers’ market, I highly recommend you check one out.  Here are my quick tips for maximizing your farmers’ market pleasure. 

BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag)

This one is pretty self-explanatory.  Just as I try to remember my own bag when I go to the grocery store, I bring my own tote when I head to the market.  Not only is this the environmentally sound thing to do - I have found that I can enjoy the market more with a bag that can be easily slung over my shoulders (you can’t do that with paper or plastic).

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

There are about 200 vendors at my local market, and the ones who get my business are the ones who grow their own produce using organic methods.  There are several vendors who import vegetables and fruits from southern states (or South America), but as far as I’m concerned, that defeats the purpose of shopping at a farmers’ market.  I like to buy locally grown food, so I ask sellers where and how their produce is produced.

Come early or late

Everyone knows that in order to get the best the market has to offer, you should hit the market just as it opens.  If you want your pick of produce, you need to be one of the very first in line.

On the other hand, if you are the ultra-thrifty type (and with these gas prices, who isn’t?), there are some great bargains to be had if you wait to buy until the last half hour of the market.  Most vendors will deeply discount their wares during the final few minutes of business, and those who don’t will often let you barter for a better deal. 

This doesn’t just go for perishable goods - Matt and I got a deal on a yard statue that was purchased during the last few minutes of an early spring market because we saved the artist the chore of having to reload and haul it home again.

Plan for your pooch

Our market allows people to bring their dogs - and many dog-lovers take advantage of this policy (including me!).  Gretchen has kind of become my trademark - most of the vendors know her name and forget mine!  She’s a very good girl, but I have to make special preparations to keep her on her best behavior - this is an environment where she could easily get over-stimulated.   Between the food smells, the other dogs, and the kids wandering around with sticky hands and faces, there’s a lot going on.  Gretch is a scent hound and would follow her nose to the nearest barbeque booth with me in tow if I didn’t use a gentle leader to keep her at my side.

Also, if your best friend isn’t fond of children, I would recommend leaving fido at home.   It’s surprising how many parents let their kids approach strange dogs, and G’s ears get tugged on fairly regular basis.  Thank goodness she is very gentle and just lays down when she’s approached by the young ones.

Don’t rush & have fun

Farmers’ markets are growing in popularity, and if the one in your neighborhood is anything like my standing Saturday gig, it may be extremely crowded.  I have found that when I go with a set list or a time limit, the whole trip is an exercise in frustration. 

I try to keep my Saturday mornings open so that Gretch and I can enjoy the market at a leisurely pace.  Sometimes we’re in and out in 20 minutes, but most Saturdays we spend well over an hour taking in the wares and enjoying the free entertainment (last weekend there were spoken word performers and a young violinist, the week before that it was a group of belly dancers and a steel drum band).   

Remember that the point of a farmers’ market is to bring consumers closer to food sources, and it takes time to develop relationships with the best growers.

Buy fresh, buy local, and enjoy!

Stumble it!