How to Shop at Your Local Farmer's Market

I know what you're thinking. Farmer's Markets are expensive. Not always. You can make your dollar stretch at Farmer's Markets. If you think about the QUALITY you're getting compared to mushy, pesticide-sprayed fruits and tasteless produce at supermarkets, you will find winners at the Farmer's Markets.

Not only are you shopping locally but you are also supporting organic farmers in your town/city. I love Farmer's Markets. Every time I visit a new city, I always have to scope out the local Farmer's Markets. I recently went to a fabulous Farmer's Market in San Diego. Amazing stuff (and the food vendors were fantastic!)


Here are some tips on how to shop at your local Farmer's Market:

• Scope out all the vendors first and see who has the lowest prices (and the freshest, most appealing produce!) The vendors are usually competitive with their pricing but sometimes some are a bit more expensive
• Look for "eat now, must sell today" produce - the prices are usually marked down (but you need to throw them in your salad that day because the produce is very ripe!)
• Shop for the week - think about your menu for the week and buy based on your household
• Look for bulk deals - it's usually less expensive to buy a flat of strawberries compared to one basket
• Fresh flower bouquets - Fresh-cut flower bouquets make great gifts and centerpieces, especially if you are attending a summer party or event. The variety of flowers available at Farmer's Markets are far better than the supermarkets (and they look fresher!)
• Taste test and sample - many farmers allow you to sample their wares (check out the vendors and sample which vendor has the sweetest nectarines, etc.)

Also, if you ever run into bad produce at a Farmer's Market, bring the produce back the following week and let the farmer know. They will either give you a freebie or give you your money back (I've done both and they've been more than helpful).

Before you hit the Farmer's Market, set a budget and remember to bring cash. You won't be disappointed! I found I spent less money at my local Farmer's Market on produce than I did in the grocery store (and the Farmer's Markets' produce ALWAYS tastes better!)