It's Farmers Market Season!
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Summer comes with pool parties, festivals, and (the best part), farmers markets! Many farmers markets across the country have officially opened up their outdoor venues as of the May long weekend. Visiting a farmers market is a great way to bring the community together and support local farmers, chefs and crafters. And this season especially it brings a renewal of community spirit that is so needed as we long to be around people again. It is just a great opportunity to get out, shop and enjoy the sun!
Picture it: It's early morning, the sun is shining and the rich smell of coffee and a plethora of other aromas coat the air. Sleepy voices laugh and talk, music plays, and colorful, vibrant people wander through the crowded parking lot. Everything seems to be teeming with life. This is the farmers market.
We love them. Some are seasonal. Some are open only on weekends. People shop under tents and pay vendors cash. It’s all very charming, and a nice alternative to grocery stores. And there are so many treasures to be found – raw honey, eggs with beautiful orange-colored yolks, cut flowers, artisan cheeses, kombucha, and the list goes on.
The fruits, vegetables, grains, seafood, meats, cheeses, eggs, and milks you buy at the farmers market are the freshest and most delicious available. Fruits are allowed to ripen fully in the field and brought straight to you. Food is all seasonal, you get to reconnect with nature, weather and turning of the year. Eating and cooking with each season is something we need to find our way back to. In-season produce is not only at the peak of its deliciousness, but it is healthier too. That’s because the fresher it is, the more nutrient-dense it’s likely to be and it doesn’t get much fresher than your local farmers’ market!
Here’s an article discussing 5 benefits of eating seasonal produce – there’s also a list included so you know which fruits and veggies are in season. The first time cherries appear, usually in late May, is a sign stone fruit season has officially kicked off and the floral apricots of June will be next, followed by sugary peaches in July and August.
Not every market is the same, but look for lettuce, Asian greens, scallions, radishes, fresh peas (both edible-pod and shell peas), green garlic and garlic scapes, throughout the next month. June is also the season for locally grown strawberries. Also be aware that some market vendors carry fresh eggs, dairy products, and meats, while others sell baked goods, natural foods and arts and crafts.
Farmers markets provide an opportunity to buy meat directly from the farmer. I recommend purchasing the best quality meat your food budget will allow because when it comes to protein and fat quality is key. Talk with the farmers and ask them about their farming methods. They will appreciate your interest! This is your opportunity to learn how the meat you eat is raised so don’t be shy about asking questions. Ask if the chicken and pork were pasture-raised and if the beef was grass-fed and finished.
Plus, there’s plenty to buy that doesn’t require a vegetable peeler. There’s a dude selling eight kinds of olive oil, a father-son duo with orchids in three sizes and an adorable elderly couple offering sticky jars of honey in every shade of amber. A few random purveyors join the fun, too: the overly friendly hummus guy, the Peruvian lady who weaves huge baskets and the wheatgrass juice-slinging hippie chick. Like a cast of sitcom characters, no week is complete without an appearance from each of them. I think everyone can agree on the importance of supporting your local community. By shopping at your local farmers market, you directly impact the livelihood of the farmer you buy from.
Need help finding a farmers market close to you? Visit https://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/ or https://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/national-guide-to-finding-local-food/
When you shop at local farmers markets, you are supporting local farmers, the local economy, our regional food resiliency and reducing your carbon footprint.
Make a plan to include a visit to your local farmers market as part of your regular grocery shopping routine. It’s a great opportunity to support your community and nourish yourself and your family with seasonal foods. See you at the market!