4 Reasons Why You Should Be Shopping at Your Local Farmers Market

If you want to know stuff about a product: where it comes from, how it’s grown, and how it’s been made, you can ask the person in front of you.

Farmers markets are more than a date activity for younger couples. They also aren't the overpriced get-togethers many think they are. They're a great way to support local businesses, eat sustainably, and eat more healthfully.

Imagine if you could walk into Walmart, pick up a tub of salsa, and then if there was anything you didn’t understand or wanted to know about it, you could just ask the maker about it – how awesome would that be?

This is the beauty of the farmers market or your local grocer. If you want to actually know stuff about a product, know where it comes from, how it’s grown, what are all the ingredients, and how it’s made, you can ask the person in front of you. Learn more about the beauty of these markets below!

Take a bite

You may not have to buy in order to try. Many markets will let you have a taste before you commit to purchasing a product you might end up hating- just ask!

How the, um, what the, um, help!

Ever seen a food, looked at it, and thought, "Hmm ...that looks interesting, but I have no idea how to eat/cook that?" This is another thing that’s great with farmers markets and grocers. The makers (surprise, surprise) actually know how to use the foods they’re selling. They’ll tell you how to cut it, which foods it works well with, and will help you just demystify the whole experience.

Meet the source

Where does the turkey you buy come from? Are the turkeys raised fairly, or are they caged? What will are they fed? These are environmental questions, but some will argue, also taste questions. When you buy from a grocer, you can ask upfront about the quality of the meat you’re buying. If you’re buying vegetables, you can ask immediately how they’re grown and if they are GMO or non-GMO.

Fresh, seasonal, and eco-friendly

While vacuum-sealed and frozen food technologies have made many foods more available year-round (and retain flavors and nutrients), there is something about freshly harvested ingredients that can elevate a dish.

When you buy from a farmer’s market or local greengrocer, you’re buying locally, which means the foods have traveled a lot less, and you’re buying in-season because you can only get a hold of what they can grow at that time of year. This is good for you, yes, but it also means you minimize your carbon footprint– go you!

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Use these websites (UK), (US), or use Google Search to find your closest farmer’s market.

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