Fun at the Farmers Market (Plus Ways to Add More Fruits & Veggies to Your Diet)

Did you know that fruits and vegetables have many health benefits? Of course, you did, but did you know that they help prevent or manage several chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, and even digestive problems?

A great place to stock up on fruits and vegetables is at the local farmer’s market. Not only can you negotiate the price with the vendors, but you are getting the freshest produce!

Fruits and vegetables are filled with important nutrients that you need every day. They are filled with fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, just to name a few. Whether fresh, frozen, or canned, fruits and vegetables are quick, delicious, and convenient, and will keep you healthy all year round.

Farmers Market 101

Overwhelmed at the sight of overflowing baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables at your local farmers market? With a little bit of planning, you can shop for your weekly meals and have fun simultaneously!

Know what’s fresh! Read up on what grows locally in your area in that given season and don’t be afraid to talk to the growers about what they have in store for the coming weeks.

Get there early…or late! Get to the farmers early if you want the best selection, as the best products always sell out first. Items that are popular but limited in supply are likely to sell out before the day is done. If you’re looking for the best deals, get to the market late. Growers are often willing to discount prices rather than carting left-over products back home.

Bring sturdy bags and small change! While many markets offer bags, they’re often too thin to withstand the pressure of all you’re going to buy. Bring reusable canvas bags to ensure everything makes it home in one piece. Don’t forget to hit the bank and get some coins to take with you. Most vendors can make change, but having exact change will make your purchase faster and easier!

Plan ahead! Once you know what you’re able to find at the farmers market, plan your meals accordingly. Get inspiration from your favorite cookbooks and sketch out a week’s worth of meals.

Be spontaneous! While planning is always a great idea, don’t be afraid to try something new and interesting. Leave some wiggle room in the budget for unexpected and enticing finds!

Buy in bulk! Buying in large quantities can often get you the best deal when an item is at its peak of harvest. Try out new and different recipes so nothing goes to waste, or experiment with freezing, canning, or drying to preserve an item’s seasonal freshness.

Go for the “whole” thing! Buying produce in its natural, unprocessed state will provide you with superior flavor. Taking the extra time to wash, peel, and cut fresh produce will be well worth the effort!

Ask for advice! Don’t be afraid to talk to the grower about the best ways to prepare a certain fruit or veggie you want. For the best result, ask specifically how they like to eat it.

Get some wheels! If you tend to buy a lot each week, invest in a wheeled wagon or cart to make your trip easier.

Simplicity is key! When cooking produce from a local farmers market, let the product’s natural flavor be the star of the show. Avoid over-seasoning and keep preparations simple.

Adding More Fruits & Veggies to Your Diet

You are now back from the farmers market with a large haul of fruits and vegetables and curious about what to do with them all! Here are some ways you can add more fruits and vegetables to your day:

Start adding fresh fruit into your breakfast oatmeal or cereal.

Add more fruits and vegetables to your sandwiches to make them more interesting i.e., add sliced pineapple, apple, peppers, cucumbers, and tomato to sandwiches.