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Photo courtesy of @miccitysons |
• Circle the market before you buy anything! This is a good thing to do at any farmers market because many of the vendors will have similar produce. You should compare the quality, price, and farming standards. Not all carrots are created equal! If you know you want potatoes, how important is it that they're organic? Are you willing to pay an extra $.50/lb for the peace of mind that no pesticides might provide?
• Know your budget! Will this be your only grocery purchase of the week or will you be stopping by the grocery store on your way home? Some items at the farmers market can carry a price premium while others are cheaper than you would find at your local supermarket. Be savvy and don't forget to bring cash, in case your market doesn't accept credit/debit cards.
• Try
something new! See a vegetable
you’ve never cooked? Ask the farmer about their favorite ways to prepare and
eat it. Take it home and look up some recipes online or in your favorite
cookbook and be adventurous. There are lots of cookbooks on the market now that
organize the table of contents by season. Magazines are also great sources of
fresh new recipes using seasonal ingredients.
• Bundle
up! Don’t let
the cold weather stop you from going to the market. Just put on some extra
layers and a pair of those cool fingerless gloves if your local market is held
outside all year. I’m lucky to have a wonderful indoor market held in old Armory down the road from my house. For you Bostonians, the Somerville Winter Market is held every Saturday
that is held from 9:30 – 2:30 every Saturday.
• Track
down the farmers! Not all of
the vendors will be at the market all of the time, but that doesn’t mean you
can’t find them. Talk to the vendors about where you can find them when they’re
not at the market. You can check their websites for more information.
What tips do you have for shopping for locally sourced produce in the winter months?
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