shop the farmers market like a pro

printer-friendly version

Summer in the northeast is prime time for Farmers Markets. While they are open and stocked for many of the months in the year, it is summer when they really shine. Bushels of Jersey tomatoes and corn, colorful squash, bountiful fruit — eating the rainbow is never easier. Wandering the stalls on a quiet morning inspires even the most reluctant cook. Luckily, preparation is simple and easy this time of year — all you really need is a good olive oil and salt. Even heat is optional.

photo by jenn kosar

your local farmers market: where to go

Ready to go, but not sure where to find your local market? The Farmers Market Directory maintained by the Agricultural Marketing Service lists any market featuring multiple vendors selling directly to customers in a recurring location. Operating times, product offerings, accepted forms of payment, and additional information is also provided.

For those of you in the area, there is a market nearly every day of the week, rotating through Maplewood, Millburn, South Orange, and West Orange at varying hours of the day, including after work hours on weekdays. Summit is the best weekend option and runs year-long thanks to the indoor Winter Farmers Market. Stony Hill Farms and Alstede Farms are best known for apple picking in the fall, but both offer year-round produce and local food products in their on site markets. These spots can get crowded and are more of an excursion, but worth the trip at least once a season.

Anne Preble

your local farmers market: shop like a pro

Planning your visit? The most important thing to remember is that the items for sale (produce, meat, prepared foods, honey, or the seasonal feature) represent both the literal and figurative fruit of extensive labor, most likely performed by the person behind the table. In my view, that’s what makes it special — the chance to connect with the people who bring us this delicious food. You don’t have to buy everything you see, but you must respect their effort.

A few more tips for the best visit possible:

Think about your menu plan for the week. Don’t just start buying everything that looks good. Okay, if something unexpected looks really good, go for it! Delicious veggies rarely need any other ingredients beyond olive oil and salt, so you always have what you need to turn them into a delicious dish.
Remember this food is designed for flavor, not shelf life. If you have the time and access, plan for two trips as week and buy less each time.
Come prepared to shop. Bring a few shopping bags, and a cooler if you’ll be out and about for the rest of the day. Plan to use a lot of cash and try to have small bills handy.
Arrive early. If you can, get there before the market opens, and do a “walk through” before you start purchasing.

photo by jenn kosar

Know what makes it organic if it is important to you. If you are looking for organic produce but don’t see clear indicators that it is certified organic, you might want to ask about whether it is conventionally raised, or what they use for fertility and pest control. This can be a hotly debated topic for producers, so be respectful.
Don’t be shy about talking to the farmers. Chances are they are passionate about their product and will be happy to chat with you! Ask them what’s freshest this week, what crop was particularly flavorful, or what their favorite preparation is. If they are offering samples, try them! It is a great way to learn how they think their product best shines.
In my view, it is a sign of respect to not haggle. Support your local farms and pay the price they posted as fair.
Become a regular. Get to know your farmers. You can then make special requests in advance, like large quantities of a particular item.
As summer winds down, shop with your freezer in mind. Berries are easily frozen to enjoy in the fall in smoothies or macerated for desserts. Tomatoes, eggplants and peppers can be roasted and then frozen, and easily used in baba ghanoush or pureed sauces.

photo by foodiesfeed

your local farmers market: let’s eat!

Done with your shopping? Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite summer farmers market bounty recipes.

This Peach, Mozzarella and Basil Salad from Real Simple turns those sweet peaches into salad with a surprisingly delightful combination of flavors.
You can’t go wrong with tomatoes, and my favorite is highlighted in my post Tomato Salad with Fennel and Champagne Vinaigrette . Tons of tomato salad options to give you plenty of variety all summer long.
I love Artichokes, and this simple Lemon Braised Artichokes recipe highlights their delicious flavor with a burst of lemon.
Summer squash is always plentiful, and this Baked Summer Squash recipe from the Kitchn presents beautifully. Perfect for a potluck summer party!

photo by jenn kosar

Simple grilled corn is always right, but as the summer comes to a close, I make and freeze batches of this Sweet Corn Chowder to last into early fall.
If you’re like me, you’re not always sure what to do with all those cherries. Pair them with meat for a delicious sweet-and-savory combination, like these Pork Chops with Cherry Sauce
This Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone is a perfect way to use that homemade ravioli you snagged at the market.
A healthy summer dessert option with some zing, thanks to ginger, lime, and mint, in this Melon Salad with Ginger-Lime Syrup.

photo by jenn kosar

For more farmers market inspiration, check out my family’s adventures with a farm share, and more summer recipe ideas in my post on summer entertaining.

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see where I’m visiting this weekend, and of course, pictures of the delicious food that follows.

Have a favorite farmers market in the area, or a fool-proof recipe to use all that fresh from the farm goodness? Leave a comment and share with your fellow food lovers.