If you haven't spent much time at farmers markets, I know they can be a bit intimidating. Locals always know exactly where to go and what to buy, and seem to possess some kind of secret, cult-like knowledge of seasonal favorites and exclusive deals.
How is a farmers market noobie supposed to sort through the piles of exotic vegetables without feeling like an trespasser?
The reality is this: Farmers market fans can indeed be fanatical (I know I am), but the farmers themselves couldn't be more friendly and welcoming. Here are my top 10 tips for fitting in at the farmers market and getting the most from being a locavore.
What are your favorite farmers market tips?
The original article can be found at EcoSalon. Follow EcoSalon on Twitter @EcoSalon
Darya is a scientist, foodie and advocate of local, seasonal foods. For more healthy eating tips visit her blog Summer Tomato.
Follow Darya Pino, Ph.D on Twitter: www.twitter.com/summertomato
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Right on the Sound in Des Moines, WA .
The usual fresh and organic produce and grass fed beef, fresh seafood, local goat cheese, breads,
salsa. It also has some of the most amazing floral arangements! All that and a sound view!
I have great respect and admiration for the gardeners of my local farmer's market. The local-grown has nutritional value lost by petrochemical factory-farming product.
I buy produce, dairy milk and yogurt (the best you could taste) and other goodies at my local farmer's market. These people deserve every dollar they make.
instituted after more than one dog fight broke out.
And also, too, there have been instances of dogs, um,
lifting their legs and ruining a vendor's display . . .
One more tip: Don't look for unblemished produce. Go for taste!
Alexa Fleckenstein M.D., physican, author.
I've also learned to ask lots of questions, and most of the farmers seem to enjoy discussions with Market rookies like me.
Monsanto invented a gene that makes their soybeans impervious to pesticides and they got a PATENT on it. Now, any farmer is subject to random inspection and if any of the soybean farms use a seed with that gene in it, they are fined or put out of business, even if the seed blew in from an adjacent farm. Outrageous that food can be patented ! Guess who wrote the SCOTUS majority opinion? None other than Clarence Thomas, who was once a Monsanto lawyer.
This gives added impetus to avoid corporate farmed products and shop more at local farmers markets. You'll be healthier and less prone to e-coli outbreaks.
And not only do they not have to disclose foods that are GMO, they have been successful at preventing non GMO food from being labeled as such!
Make sure the produce does not look too "perfect". Perfect, blemish free often can mean sprayed or non organic. Often produce found at our local farmers market is organic but the farmer does not wish to go through the expense of applying.
My true test, take a good look.
Holli Thompson, CHHC
www.nutritionalstyle.com
http://ozarkhomesteader.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/acorn-squash-baking-basics-from-the-madison-farmers-market/