Friday, June 1, 2012

Using the Farmer's Market

I love the farmer's market. The idea. The environment. The awesome food. All of it!

Many people feel my same feelings for this food. It is so much tastier, and if you are wondering how now, go and try it yourself!!! Unfortunately many people have no clue where to begin when it comes to grocery shopping this way. Let me give you some pointers for this summer!

First of all, realize how the farmer's market works. Bring cash and ask questions! This is the best rule to follow. Cash is always easier for them to use, and some places may not even take any other forms. Wen you run into an herb or some other kind of produce or food that you've never seen, go ahead and ask how to use it! Maybe you love zucchini but want to try another way of making it. Ask! These people are foodies by life. They really know their food and can probably teach you something new.

Don't go into the farmer's market with necessary ingredients. The best method is to have an idea of what you want to do (veggies with pasta, meat and potatoes, etc.) and build your idea at the market. This works better because sometimes things aren't at the market or not looking so fresh. Also, if you run into some great deal or cool looking food, you don't want to turn that down!

The idea behind the farmer's market is being fresh. It uses the idea of eating foods in season to bring them to the masses at good prices and better tastes. There's much more enviro-friendly reasons to eat in season foods, but let's not get into that right now. Your best bet to save some buck is to buy in season. For this summer, look for these guys!
  • apricots
  • bell peppers
  • cantaloupes
  • grapes
  • blueberries and blackberries
  • corn,
  • cucumbers
  • green beans and sugar snap peas
  • Yukon potatoes
  • tomatillos
  • jalapenos 
  • and peaches.
Use your local market! You will find the tastes to be unbelievable. My favorite is getting any meat from the farmers. My mom has the most amazing guy for fish in Minneapolis. Realize that sometimes you pay for the quality but in the end you are investing in a great meal and a healthier you!

Here's a link to help find a farmer's market near you: http://www.localharvest.org/

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