Make Your Trip to the Farmers Market a Success!

Who doesn’t love a delicious, perfectly ripe piece of fruit that gushes with juice the second you bite into it! The summer months are an ideal time to eat the freshest fruits and vegetables that are available all year, and a local farmers market is the perfect place to find what you are looking for.

If you are someone who has decided to start eating more whole foods grown and picked straight from the earth, checking out a local farmers market is a great place to start. The idea may be a little overwhelming at first. It’s more comfortable to go to a grocery store, grab some produce that has been in the same section all year, and check out on a quick and easy line. But once you eat produce grown and picked locally, often times that same day, you will truly start to understand what you have been missing!

If you are hesitant to take the leap and to start eating locally, these 4 tips will help prepare you for your first trip to the farmers market:

1. Start by searching where your local farmers markets are and choose one close by
2. Research which fruits and vegetables are seasonal to give you an idea of what you will find
3. Remember that the produce you will find there is often dirty, this is a good thing!
4. Have an idea of what you are looking for but be sure to embrace your spontaneous side

Now that you’ve done your research, you know which market you’re going to and have a plan for what you’re going to shop for, what’s the next step?

When you get to the market, there will be vendors everywhere and they usually draw a pretty big crowd, especially if it’s nice out. Be sure to give yourself some time, maybe even a few hours to really shop around and take in all it has to offer.

Follow these simple guidelines to help make your trip a success:

1. Bring small bills, as some vendors don’t have a lot of change to offer
2. Bring your own reusable bags
3. Take advantage of the free samples, you never know what you might fall in love with
4. Check out as many stands as you can and talk to the vendors, they will give you the best recommendations

The vendors selling the produce are usually the farmers that grow and harvest them. They know which is best. Not only can your trip help improve your health by eating nutrient-rich produce, but it may vastly expand your diet, allowing you to try fruits and vegetables you otherwise wouldn’t have tried. And don’t forget, helping sustain local small businesses is always a positive thing!

Your turn to take action:

Plan a day this week to visit a local farmers market. Get there early to avoid the crowds and take advantage of everything the vendors have to offer! Then comment below and share your experience. I can’t wait to hear all about it!

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