Fall Harvest is one of the best times to visit your local farmers’ market. The atmosphere that surrounds a market is light, busy, and full of inspiration. You feel a sense of grounding and appreciation as you take in the sights of colourful produce and pieces of art, the sounds of local musicians and voices of knowledgeable vendors, and the smell of fresh air and baked goods. In addition to the positive impact on the environment and on the local economy, farmers’ markets can be a great source of information and motivation. They brings us back to real food, knowing where it comes from and buying it directly from farmers. I just love it! If you don’t currently frequent the farmers’ markets I encourage you to visit one near you this weekend!
There’s a reason (or maybe more than just one) that us city-slickers tend to fall into the habit of shopping at the grocery store – convenience and efficiency. While making a trip out to the farmers’ market may not be the most convenient or efficient use of time as a once or twice per week outing, it’s even beneficial to plan a trip just once a month, or however often your schedule allows. When we talk about de-stressing and slowing down with eating and our food choices, a visit to a farmers’ market definitely fits the bill if healthy eating and digestive health are among your goals.
Here are three ideas to make your market visits more valuable:
1. Make the Errand an Outing
This is a fun way to keep farmers’ markets and buying local food in your routine. If you’re shopping for just one or two people, bring along a friend! That way you can split large quantities of items like a big basket of cucumbers or corn or you can share a selection of items to get what you need for the week. Share recipes and bounce ideas off each other on how to use certain items. You may also decide to get a bushel of tomatoes or peppers and do some pickling and preserving! This can be a lot of work, but much more fun with a friend. Chat with vendors and socialize with farmers to find out their tips and recipes too! You can also visit my Pinterest boards for recipe ideas. If you make it an outing you are also more likely to take your time and really experience the market.
2. Ask Questions
The vendors are passionate about what they do and are very knowledgeable. Unsure about what an item is, how to use it, or how it is grown or made? Just ask! This is especially important when you have certain food restrictions. Bring along a list of low FODMAP produce to guide you. If you are interested in what goes into market items (pesticides, what the animals are fed, etc.) just ask. Many small, local farms practice safe and natural farming, but may not want to pay for the expensive organic certification process. Chat with others and learn from other market-goers as well! Most people would love to stop and share how they use their market finds. This is a wonderful way to start experimenting with new foods and recipes.
3. Shop the Market – Don’t Bring a Rigid List
Depending on the season and area, certain products might not be available. Instead of looking at this as an inconvenience, look at it as a great opportunity for some inspired direction! Learn about items that are in season and ask vendors for their favourite ways to use them. Challenge yourself to plan at least one recipe a week using your market finds on your meal-planner. To get my best meal planning tips click here!
Last but not least …
- Make plenty of time to visit every stand and ask all of your questions. Sometimes vendors run out of their most popular items early in the day.
- Most stands only take cash, so bring enough with you.
- Bring your own reusable bags.
- If you have a busy morning, don’t forget that the end of the market brings sales. Stop in after noon to see what beautiful, fresh, local produce vendors have to sell off and score a deal!
- Visit the website Farmers’ Markets Ontario to find farmers’ markets in your area.
Much love & good eating,
Stephanie