Woody Allen has been quoted as saying, “Ninety percent of life is just showing up.” If that were the case at the farmers’ market, I’d probably end up eating a pastry, having a cup of coffee, and heading home with a bouquet of flowers and two apples. Nothing wrong with that … unless you’re trying to feed yourself.
I’ve been doing the bulk of my regular (not special-occasion) shopping at the farmers’ market for several years now. Doing it right has become second nature, but in the beginning it required a different mindset and a different set of planning tools than the grocery store does. Allow me to guide you through the tips you’ll need to make the most of your trip; plus, EcoSalon has designed a helpful pyramid to use on your next visit.
Shopping Success, or Avoiding Midweek Trips to the Grocery Store
1. Work the flexlist. Even if you’re not the meal-planning type, at least have an idea of how many meals you’ll be cooking for the week. Before you go, check to see what you already have on hand, and think about what else you can buy for your meals that week. Not only is wasted food an unnecessary use of resources, but decomposing food in landfills is a prominent contributor to global warming. Finally, make a list, but stay flexible to take advantage of deals, inspiration, or the asparagus that just came into season. Buy what you need and use what you buy.
Avoid wasting even further by planning meals that you can parlay into other dishes or weekday lunches.
2. Don’t forget the bags! At my zero-waste market, that means linen or reused plastic bags to carry greens and other loose items in. Bring more bags than you think you’ll need. When shopping, balance your load; put heavy items on the bottom, lighter items on top.
3. Bring cash. Small bills are best. Try to use larger bills for more expensive items, like meats, seafood, coffee, and bread.
4. Get the lay of the land. When you arrive at the market, take a quick walk-through to see what’s there. I always do this, as it helps me with my flexible shopping plan. Whose peaches look best? Who has the better price on corn? Who has strawberries early? If one farmer has strawberries in March, I want to know about it right away so I can plan my other purchases around them. Once you become a regular, you’ll find favorite vendors and your shopping will become quicker and easier.
5. If you’re on a budget, go at the end of the day. Vendors will often cut you a deal, but don’t expect to get everything on your list this way, because items often sell out. I always go early to get my pastured eggs.
6. Ask questions. Want to know how something was grown, where the farm is, what that strange root is? Just ask. The vendors are happy to talk to you—that’s why they are there. If it’s not clear that the food is organic, it’s okay to ask. For example, in California you may see signs stating “Certified Producer.” That just means the vendor is certified to sell at the market. If the sign doesn’t say “Certified Organic,” it probably isn’t. Many farmers don’t bother with the arduous and expensive certification process but still follow organic practices and don’t spray pesticides. Just ask.
7. Try something new. Ask the vendor or another customer how to prepare an unfamiliar vegetable. Some of my most interesting food conversations have been with other customers. I’ve been on both the receiving and the giving end of plenty of advice, and even made some new friends along the way. When was the last time you made a new friend at the grocery store?
8. Remember the Farmers’ Market Food Pyramid
Yours may be a little different, but one way to think of what and how much to buy for a balanced week is to think of it in terms of a pyramid. Starting at the bottom, choose the bulk of your items there, working your way up into the tip of the pyramid.
