Get the most from your farmers' market experience with tips from the Southern Living Farmers Market Cookbook.
Go Early
The best produce is often found right when the market opens. Avoid choosing from picked-over produce by arriving at your local market as early as possible.
Go Often
No List Needed
When visiting your local farmers market, be prepared to keep an open mind. While you might be looking for something in particular, odds are there will be plenty of delectable produce on hand that will have you reconsidering your weekly menu plans. Flexibility is key not only to finding the best produce but in eating the best produce as well.
Plan Ahead
Bring Cash
Take Your Time
Something Old, Something New
While having access to the produce you enjoy regularly is important, so is sampling offerings that may be new to you. Educate yourself in the world of food by picking up something you’ve never tried before and then talking about the product with the local farmer selling it. You’ll learn and taste something new!
Take Your Kids
Talk to the Farmers
Bright is Best
More than Just Produce
Recycle, Reduce, Reuse
You’re already a steward of the environment by shopping at your local farmers market, so remember to take it one step further and bring your own canvas bags, baskets, or boxes to carry away your purchases for the day.
Join a CSA
If your schedule doesn’t allow for a trip to the market, consider joining Community Supported Agriculture. You’ll receive regular deliveries of locally grown produce in its prime. Find one nearby at www.localharvest.org.
Summer Farmers' Market Recipes
Our Farmers Market Cookbook is filled with more fresh produce recipes, divided into four chapters—Spring Recipes, Summer's Bounty, Autumn Harvest, and Winter Storehouse. The book also walks you through the farmers market experience and provides a Fresh Produce & Herb Primer with all the tips you need for selecting the best produce.
