How Do You Shop?
Farmers' Market Tips from Listeners
July 23, 2002

	© Minnesota Public Radio Maggie Skinner

Lynne Rossetto Kasper shared some great ideas to make the most of a a day at the farmers' market.

To learn more about open air shopping, we asked fans of The Splendid Table to share their own tips for buying the best local produce. Many replies echoed Lynne's wisdom to bring bags and keep cash handy. The tips shown here may inspire you to shop outdoors for the rest of the season!

John Sherman, St. Paul, MN
Can't leave the market without: fresh fruit
Most people think of the farmer's market as fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. Not any more. Certainly they are the base of the market but our market has so much more.

Last Saturday I purchased sweet corn, potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, and blueberries. But I also purchased three gallons of organic, non-homogenized skim milk, heavy cream, yogurt, beef patties, sausage links, herbed butter, mixed sea salt and herbs, and mint balsamic vinegar. Large markets are returning to the old model of being a place to do much more of your food marketing. So next time you go, bring a bigger shopping bag!

Tracy Loso, Minneapolis, MN
Can't leave the market without: zinnias
I have found that going to the Minneapolis Farmers' Market during "off peak" times is most beneficial (i.e. weekday mornings). The most enjoyable experiences I've had are in the mornings when it is not so crowded and busy.

I ask a lot of questions about the perennial plants I purchase, and I have found most of the vendors able and willing to share information, knowledge, growing tips, etc. The more questions I ask, the more I learn and the better gardener I become. Most vendors love to talk plants when they are not too busy with other customers.

Maureen Geraden, Madison, WI
Can't leave the market without: hickory nuts, Hooks' 7-year cheddar
Get there as early as possible for the best selection, especially if you are competing with restaurant buyers for the really good or rare stuff.

Also, process everything fast as soon as you come home. Rinse, blanch, freeze, prepare as needed to keep things fresh as possible. This is especially helpful if you've bought too much as I invariably do!

Chris Schiffer, St. Paul, MN
Can't leave the market without: fresh flowers
First, remember the cash. We get so used to paying for everything with plastic, and it just won't do when you are at the farmers' market.

Don't plan your menu ahead of time, be ready for [the] unexpected. Just buy whatever looks really good and then try and figure out what to do with it when you get home, if you don't know already. Buy in bulk when it is good. Just because you didn't grow it doesn't mean you shouldn't can it or freeze it. Today I found big bunches of a few types a basil for $1 each and some wonderful fresh small garlic. Pureed together under olive oil and frozen and I now have great basil flavor for the next few months.

Depending on your market, come with the right accessories: In the St. Paul [market] crowded paths, strollers, and carts just don't do. A big sturdy cloth bag and a backpack for the baby are much better choices. At a more open market, a cart or child's wagon might be just right.

Last, bring the kids. This kind of shopping is a lot less sterile and boring than the supermarket. Get the kids involved in picking out what they will eat.

Mark Ostrom, Minneapolis, MN
Can't leave the market without: Anything from Grandma Shirley's or Bob's Produce Ranch
Ask the vendor about what's just been harvested, and if you don't know what it is, ask—and ask how to prepare it.

The introduction of [Asian] vendors has widened the options at the market, and there are some exciting things to be explored.

Don't forget that there is also a market on Nicollet Mall [in Minneapolis] on Thursdays. The buzz of office workers taking in the sights at the noon hour is exhilarating—it's fun to watch folks jockey for fresh grillables!

Brenda Castiel, Beverly Hills, CA
Can't leave the market without: white peaches—they are my absolute favorite!
Decide if you want fruit to eat right away, or to eat in a couple of days from now; then ask the server to help you choose appropriately. This is especially true for the soft fruits, like peaches, plums, apricots, cherries.

Ann McCandless, Louisville, KY
Can't leave the market without: white baby eggplant
Go often! If you go every week to the farmers' market, you will get to know the booths that are there every week and the ones that have good stuff. If you start buy a few things from a variety of places and then gradually narrow it down to the ones who consistently have good produce then you will be a farmer's market afficionado.

Have dollars and quarters handy. I like to buy two, three, and four of things so I have the most variety. I might come home with a sack full of zucchini, but some is round like a tennis ball, some is very small, some medium, etc.

Also, check to see if you have a mid-week market. Many places have a smaller one on Wednesday or Thursday evening. You won't need to stock up so much if you can buy during the week.

Got something to say about farmers' markets?
Share your ideas and see what other people think
in the Splendid Table Forum.

Back to Sources & Recommendations