The easiest way to eat local is toshop at a farmer’s market.
By doing so, you’resupporting local farmersand getting involved with your community.
It’s also often thebest deal if you’re shopping for one.
(Some are beginning to accept food stamps, too.)
Also, leave your dog at home: the majority of markets don’t allow them.
Steer clear of shopping during the thick of market hours, when stalls will be the most congested.
Geoffrey Zakariancautions against buying anythingfor your first 30 minutes at the market.
That leads to overbuying, overspending, and potentially wasted food and nobody wants that.
Having them present gives you an opportunity to ask questions about harvesting practices.
If you frequent the market regularly, you should absolutely introduce yourself.
Cultivating those relationships are the fastest way to getting VIP treatment.
When you’re scouring through piles of fruits and vegetables, be mindful of etiquette.
They’re all things I’ve purchased out of curiosity at the farmer’s markets.
I tend to buy one spontaneous ingredient after getting guidance from the farmer on how to cook with it.
In fact, I like to bring friends along to socialize while browsing produce.
In general, when cooking food from the farmer’s market, I lean toward simple preparations.
Muddling a fruit or vegetable’s flavors with too many other ingredients would defeat the purpose.
Look for produce that is as intact as possible, like carrots and beets with their greens still attached.
Usethis search pageto track down a farmer’s market near you.
