Does the “fresh” produce at the grocery store ever appear to
be not so fresh after all? An easy way to ensure that the fruits and veggies
you’re buying are actually fresh is to check out the wide selection at your
local farmer’s markets!
The main reason
consumers shop at farmer’s markets is for the fresh produce. The fruits and
veggies sold at these fun and interactive venues are seasonal and locally
grown. Due to these factors, it is understood that only the best quality
produce will be sold to customers. Sometimes the fruits and vegetables are
picked the night before to be sold the next day. This is something to take
advantage of, as produce is at its peak when it is first picked (the fresher
the produce, the more antioxidants, and phytonutrients) and flavor. Farmer’s
markets are also a great way to test your taste buds by trying some new or rare
foods indigenous to your specific area.
Many people shop at farmer’s markets for much more than the crisp
green snow peas. The quality of the fresh produce is wonderful, but the overall
experience is what makes shopping there so inviting. Farmer’s markets are a
great way to build up the community. The money used to buy the farmer’s products
supports those specific families and their farms. They also prove to be a great
social outlet! It is a lot of fun to talk to the local farmers and to get to
know about where the produce actually comes from. One added bonus is the
helpful tips from the farmers on how to prepare the food purchased.
There is always an abundance of farmer’s markets you can
visit all year round. If you’re interested
in visiting some farmer’s markets in your area, check out the link below or the
USDA Farmer’s Market Search!
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