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Buying locally helps to support local farmers who are more likely to be stewards of their land. Local growers also have more flexibility than industrial farmers to experiment with different crop varieties, which encourages biodiversity and extends growing seasons.
_Farmers Market Etiquette and Tips
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1. Bring cash - only small bills.
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2. Bring your own bag (I have a wheeled shopping trolley I could not live without).
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3. Dirt and holes in the leafs - that's a good thing - especially if you're looking for organic.
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4. Ask the vendor when was this picked or look on the bottom of food for a fresh clean cut where it was harvested.
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5. Don't - I repeat don't - ask for discounts unless you're going to buy the whole crate.
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6. Ask for a sample to taste.
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7. Ask the farmers questions or opinions - who has the best ....?
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8. Get there early.
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9. Be ready to try or learn something new on each visit and have fun!!
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Above Photos Courtesy of Jupiter Images
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7 comments:
I agree with you, Sabina -- 1 to 9 are spot on.
I've always been curious about one aspect of farmer's markets. Maybe you can enlighten me. It involves fresh flowers. Our vendors charge $6 and up per bunch. They don't sell very many bunches at that price. If they cut their cost to say $3 a bunch, they would be sold out each week. Is there a reason they don't do this? Is there an understanding among vendors, a price set? If there is, I don't understand why they would continue a policy that is obviously not working? Flowers are a luxury but one I could justify if they were less.
Good list. Thanks!
Great tips - and definitely love #9 - try something different/new!
You always have the best things to post about.
Great ideas.
Ciao
These are great tips! It’s wonderful to foster a relationship with the local vendors; it makes the whole food experience more enjoyable!
Great tips! We might be heading to our local farmer's market again soon!
Yum. I cannot WAIT for our markets to open in a few weeks!
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