5 Tips for Navigating the Farmers Market by Wendy Simard

Photo courtesy of Wendy Simard

Farmer’s Markets are popping up all over the place, a trend that makes me very happy, but do you know how to make the most of your experience? Here are 5 tips for navigating your local market.

1. Plan ahead. Bring enough bags, a cart, and some understanding of how you are going to haul your goodies home. There’s nothing worse than scooping up a bunch of sweet corn on sale only to realize you’ll have to schlep it back on public transportation at rush hour.
2. Walk the perimeter of the market and try before you buy. Scope out how the fruit and veggies look at the various vendors before plunking down any money. You don’t want to buy the first pint of berries you see, because inevitably, you’ll find plumper, sweeter, and cheaper ones three stands down.
3. Take note of prices and stock up if you find a deal. When you’re familiar with what good organic produce costs at your local grocery, you can shop the farmer’s market armed with that knowledge and scope out some mad deals.
4. Don’t be shy. Ask questions, and engage with the vendors. Many of them are the farmers who lovingly grew the food you’re about to buy, so they’re often more than happy to tell you whatever you want to know about it.
5. Take time to smell the wildflowers… and fresh herbs… and just-baked bread…. One of the joys of shopping at an outdoor market is the sensory experience of it all. If you rush through without letting yourself sink into the slower pace of the place, you’re almost missing the entire point.

Wendy Simard is a Holistic Health Coach and the founder of GreendotGarden.com.  She offers holistic programs to help individuals lose weight and empower themselves to be their best self for 2012.  Wendy has been nothing but inspirational to me and I am a proud supporter of her.  Please check out her website for amazing tips and schedule a FREE coaching session this month while appointments last!

Tamika