11 Helpful Farmers’ Market Tips For Your Next Shopping
Discover > Farm to Table Eating in Texas > 11 Helpful Farmers’ Market Tips For Your Next Shopping
An abundance of produce, peeping sunshine, and overwhelming crowds––that’s Texas spring for ya. Springtide also heralds the beginning of more regular trips to local Texas farmers’ markets, where each visit can feel like the first time. The excitement of new vendors and unique produce means we keep coming back for more. However, the market hustle and bustle can throw off even the most seasoned of shoppers.
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Whether you’re planning your first-ever trip or just looking to do your weekly run, these farmers’ market tips for shopping will help you make the most of your visit to a farmers’ market near you!
Early Birds Get the Worm
Get started early if you want the best pick of produce and fewer masses of people. This is pretty obvious farmers’ market tips but one of the important, This is easy, especially if you have a bunch of little early risers accompanying you on the weekend! Here’s a post I made about navigating farmers’ markets with your kiddos.
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Going early will ensure you get to choose from the best heirloom tomatoes, and won’t have to pick from squished berries at the end of the day. You’ll also most likely have access to freshly baked breakfast delights straight from the oven. Who doesn’t love that? Avoiding crowds is always an advantage when it comes to hygiene and safety, so make the best use of a Saturday morning and head on out!
2. Don’t Be “Hangry”
I always find that I shop much more wisely when I’m not hungry. Of course, I keep space for a delicious morning kolache, but this way, I save myself from overspending and overeating. Grab a quick morning snack before you leave for the market or purchase some freshly baked goodies when you arrive at the market.
3. Carry Reusable Bags, Eco-Friendly Containers, and Small Bills
Sure, you may get bags for individual items, but there’s nothing more convenient than having a reusable tote carryall to tuck them all into. Recycled clamshell boxes are my go-to for storing delicate berries and apricots that almost always risk getting crushed under heavier produce. Make sure to always carry small change with you, especially when following the above rule, as it can be pretty hard for vendors to break bigger bills as soon as the market opens.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Deals and Special Events
Most certified and producer-only Texas farmers’ markets have information booths that give out the latest updates on events at the market. Think chef demos, cooking classes, or even the latest scoop on discounts and deals. A section of the TexasRealFood site is also dedicated to the latest farmers’ market updates, which you can check out here.
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5. Have A Seasonal List
It can be very tempting to purchase food impulsively when everything is in harvest. While we don’t discourage picking up some goods spontaneously, having a general idea of what you want to pick up at the market can help reduce last-minute panic searching for stuff you’ve missed. The best thing about shopping at farmers’ markets is that you get attuned to the seasonal produce, and gain realistic expectations of what will be available that day. We also have a helpful database of what’s in season in Texas at different times of year.
6. Take A Look Around Before You Buy
I always enjoy taking a stroll around the market. For our next farmers’ market tip is checking out all the stalls and chatting with the vendors about their prized possessions. Over time, I figured out that product prices are usually the same across all vendors. However, you may find crispier lettuce at one stand or sweeter carrots at another. Walking through the market before purchasing gives you time to create a plan for what you want to buy and what stall will give you the best bang for your buck.
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7. Pick Out Your Produce But Be Respectful
You may sort through the fruit and veg before paying to ensure you’re getting what you want. However, make sure not to poke, prod or squish the produce too much in the process. Read this helpful post about what NOT to do at farmers’ markets.
8. Think Beyond Veggies
Many farmers’ markets in Texas have stands selling things other than vegetables or fruits. Plenty offer yummy farm-fresh foods, such as eggs, milk, honey, or meat. Coastal markets may have some of the freshest local catch. Local bakeries often show up to markets to sweeten up your day with small-batch baked goods. You may also find locally roasted coffee and chocolates on offer. Make sure to stop by their booths and support the wonderful artisanal businesses in your community!
9. Be Curious
Farmers’ markets provide a first-hand learning opportunity about food and how it’s produced. Stop and ask the vendors about a particular food item or how to prepare it. Ask questions about their farming practices or their favorite thing about being a farmer!
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10. Revisit Your Plan for Next Week
Before you head out for your next trip to the market, make a note of what you ate (and didn’t eat) from the previous stock. Using this information, draw up a new list of what you’ll need this time and hit the market again.
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11. Visit On the Regular
When it comes to supporting the local Texas economy, your purchases are crucial. Reduce your trips to big chain supermarkets and make your local farmers’ market the new normal.
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How often do you go to farmers’ markets? What are some of your top Farmers’ market tips for shopping to maximize your visits? Drop us a comment and let us know!
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