How to save money by buying at a farmer’s market

If you have never been to a Farmer’s Market, now is a good time to go to one. According to the National Farmer’s Market Directory, there are close to 3,000 farmer’s markets in the United States. I don’t have the number for them in Europe and around the world, but outdoor farmer’s markets are famous for their variety and quality of produce and handmade products.

The first time I was introduced to them was when I was a child living on Long Island. We used to go to a place in Massapequa that had wonderful farmer’s markets.

Over the years we have partaken of this delightful experience whenever we could. When we travel the minute we see one we stop for this would normally be our meal for the day.

We have fond memories of traveling throughout the state of Washington and getting the best cherries on small roadside stands outside of the owner’s orchards, especially throughout Yakima Valley. Of course one cannot go to that state without making sure one visits Pike’s Market in Seattle. One of the most incredible Farmer’s Markets in the world! The flowers alone are worth the visit, to say nothing of the vendors throwing huge fish across the aisles are the shoppers walk by. Picking up peaches in season when in the state of Georgia or apples in Upstate N.Y.

Whenever we are in Spain, we love going to the big Farmer’s Market off the Ramblas in Barcelona. This place is amazing and it has the most incredible breads, cheeses and olives just to mention a few of the items. Also in Europe, the sale of fish and meats are usually included.

The ultimate Farmer’s Market we have ever been to was the Casbah in North Africa. There a “no” is not acceptable to the seller who will chase you down endless, winding alleys while bargaining all the time you are saying no. The colorful spices arrayed in baskets in many stalls are just amazing in sight and smell.

Even though we have a Farmer’s Market over in Cave City near the Convention Center, it has always been an out of the way area for us and the time of week it is open never seems to fit into our work schedule. Thus the new flyer with its dates, times and location was exciting.

In my old age my limited garden abilities are reserved mostly for flowers and since one of the definite pluses of summer is fresh produce. Real fresh produce, as straight from the garden – if not our own, then someone else’s again was welcomed news.

When one does not have a garden, or one can’t grow all that one wants, then one can still get good produce (some of it organically grown, remember to ask should that be important to you) for a reasonable price at a farmers market. Most people who sell produce and foodstuff at the farmers markets are often those who enjoy producing their harvest, and sell it just to move their produce. However, there are some that begin and end with the idea of making a profit, so while it’s ok to haggle a little, do it good naturedly. It’s possible the seller won’t budge a bit. Some will, though, especially near the end of the day, or if they have an over amount of produce. However, in the event dollars are critical to you, then go towards the end of the day, because most sellers will bargain then as opposed to dragging it all back home with them.

Also here is where buying in bulk comes into its own. If you buy a bushel instead of a peck of green beans, for instance, you’ll almost certainly get a better price. So if you do strike a great bargain, you better be prepared to can or freeze before you get to the farmers market because you won’t know what is available until you get there (except for knowing what is generally in season at the time).

When you go to a farmers market for fresh produce, go early in the morning for the best quality, but remember most foods will still be fresher after several hours at the farmers market than they are in the grocery store the moment they’re delivered. However, if you’re looking for a good bargain then go just before it closes. As I said most vendors would rather sell it at a low price than haul it back home.

Remember that not all vendors at a farmers market are producers. You’ll almost surely find those who buy (or pick up for free) blemished or misshapen produce from commercial food processors or who buy produce which has been salvaged from train or truck wrecks. There’s nothing actually wrong with this produce, but it’s not of the same quality you’ll find from the “backyard farmers” who delight in selling premium produce.

Who, exactly, grew those perfect tomatoes, anyway? Should you, the consumer, worry about buying resold produce at your local farmers’ market? If this concerns you, then be aware that most vendors are honest, selling only what they grow, and spotting fraud is the job of market managers and agricultural commissioners.

Vendors, themselves, are often the first to complain to managers that the fruit in the next stall looks a little suspicious. Their suspicions are not always correct. Fruit that’s plainly out of season: Like cherries in December. Some tropical fruits, like pineapple, are rarely found in any Farmer’s Market. You might want to be suspicious of produce that is “too perfect”. If a vendor comes to market with dozens of boxes of tomatoes, every one the same size, shape and color, they may have been bought at a packing house where they’ve been graded and sorted. Don’t be afraid to ask if they were grown by the vendor. You may be correct is being suspicious of produce that is too awful-looking because either the farmer had a bad crop or a reseller has bought the “culls,” or rejects, from a packing house. Should your Farmer’s Market require Vender Certificates be suspicious if the vendor seems to be selling much more than their certificate shows they say they produce. Either it’s a bumper crop, exceeding estimates–or the vendor is buying fruit to pad sales.

If you are lucky then besides fresh garden produce, you’ll often find honey, home baked breads, crafts and gift items. So, one more word of advice: Don’t take more cash than you can afford to spend!

I love buying from individuals as it is quite a different experience from buying produce from the emotionally sterile bins of a grocery store with all the pre-packaged plastic wrapped stuff. Often you will find school children raising money for band etc, so if you tend to feel obligated to buy from Girl Scouts or the neighborhood school kids, go determined to buy only what you need.

If you are not sure where to find Farmer’s Markets in your area, then the US Government has a site for finding Farmer’s Markets in your area.

One of the nice things about Farmer’s Markets is that good restaurants are now shopping at them. If one is lucky, one may spot your favorite restaurant’s chef buying produce and other items the day you are there.

So for a fun day’s outing or a new experience find the time to go to a Farmer’s Market, and especially your local one. Remember shopping at a farmer’s market or open air market means that you will get the best, freshest produce available, while at the same time you are supporting small local farmers. You can find produce that is too delicate to ship, often many heirloom varieties of produce, and learn something new too as many vendors are often willing to chat with you to explain what they are growing or selling. Often the vendors farm organically, and the farmer’s market is their primary source of income. Cherish and support your local community and it will thrive!

“Tread the Earth Lightly” and in the meantime… may your day be filled with….Peace, light and love,

Arlene Wright-Correll

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