9 tips to make the most of your farmers’ market experience

Farmers’ markets are a foodie heaven. It’s so fun seeing what everyone has brought to market. The smells and the flavors are unparalleled, and freshness rules.

As a devoted locavore with over 10 years working in SoCal farmers’ markets, I make a concerted effort to buy local wherever possible. Here are some of my best tips for how to make the most of your market shopping. Some of these are for beginners and some are more advanced. Whatever your situation, I encourage you to get out there and “support local.” Your taste buds will thank you!

1 BE PREPARED AND TAKE YOUR TIME

Get there at least 15 minutes early to get good parking and to get in line to enter the market. Bring your mask and bags; wear comfy clothes and shoes, a hat and possibly layers. Especially for your fi rst time, it can easily take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to really check everything out. Do a lap before you buy anything. Don’t rush. Enjoy it!

2 STRATEGIZE

It helps to plan out your purchases. Consider bringing a wagon or wheeled cooler with ice packs. Remember that some items are heavier (juice, milk, meat) so either pick those up last or plan to go drop things into a cooler in your car. Another tip for cold items is to ask the seller if they can hold it while you fi nish shopping. Just don’t forget to go back to pick up!

3 BUDGET

Bring cash in small bills for exact payment. Many vendors accept credit/debit cards (and some prefer it due to COVID safety procedures) but don’t count on it. Some markets off er an ATM (or know of one nearby).

If you’re on a strict budget, make sure you shop the more expensive items fi rst. Some perishable items like fl owers, produce and baked goods might be marked down towards the end of the market, but proteins and canned items usually are not because they will keep to sell at the next market.

4 BE FRIENDLY & OPEN

Talk to other shoppers while you wait in line, ask them about what they are getting, and even if they have other favorite booths they want to share with you. You might even make a market friend! Don’t forget to remain physically distant!

5 READ THE SIGNS

Look for the words that matter to you: Sustainable, Biodynamic, No Spray, No Pesticides, Non- GMO, Pasture-raised, Grass-fed… If you aren’t sure what they mean or don’t see any signs, ASK! If the person behind the table doesn’t know, ask if you can call or email the farmer.

6 DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS

Support your farmers and vendors on social media and don’t forget to recommend them to your friends and family! Talk to them about what you made last week with their product and how much your family loved it. Maybe they will be willing to set things aside for you, or bring your standing order each week. Some farmers off er a CSA or loyalty program for their devoted customers.

7 ORDER AHEAD

Many of the vendors and farmers now have websites (or at least an email address) where you can place an advance order to pick up at market. You win, because you’ll get what you wanted, and they win, because it lets them pack what you ordered and still send enough of everything to the market for other customers.

8 RECYCLE

Bring your own shopping bags, including smaller ones for produce (save store bags and use them too!). You can bring egg cartons and berry baskets back to the farmers to reuse. Some vendors that sell loose/bulk things like sprouts, beans or nuts might like it if you bring your own container, like a jar. Be creative, fi gure out what works for you (and ask about any specifi c COVID safety procedures)!

9 JUST ENJOY IT!

Th e farmers and vendors count on you—that’s why they are there—but more than that, they appreciate you! Keep that in mind when you go, and take a moment to appreciate back. Make it part of your week and just go with the fl ow, savor the whole experience and build community around you.

WHAT’S GROWING ON: JANUARY TO MARCH?