Here are some tips for shopping at one of the wonderful Farmers' Markets in the Boston area.
This direct supply of food from farmer to customer is good for everyone. Farmers keep more of the income derived from their work, you and I have the opportunity to buy fresher food, and local food resources are protected. But remember, shopping at a farmers' market is not like shopping at a supermarket.
It's what the farmers are growing
"When you shop at a Massachusetts farmers' market, you are plugging directly into your regional foodshed. Everything you purchase has been grown or produced in New England or New York, and at least 90% of what’s on sale, often more, is grown right here in Massachusetts," says Hannah Freedberg, Development and Outreach Director, Mass Farmers' Markets. That means you won't find bananas, citrus or tropical fruit. They don't grow in this area.
It's Seasonal
It also means you buy what's in season. Every spring I hear shoppers ask farmers if they have strawberries, tomatoes or apples. Right now, local farms are harvesting spring crops - annual plants and seedlings, greens, radishes, asparagus and some herbs. Each week will bring more selections our way. Berries arrived early this year with some showing up at the very first markets. But that's because our weather has crops running two to three weeks ahead of the usual harvest schedule.
The New England rhyme for corn used to be "Knee high by the Fourth of July." Now, early varieties may bring some corn to the markets sooner. Greenhouses and other shelter technology will produce some early tomatoes, but field tomatoes won't arrive until later this month.
Click through or scroll down for more tips, links and details, after the break
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Have A Plan
Fran Duffly is a frequent shopper at the Copley Farmers' Market, and she has a regular routine. "The first thing I do is buy my eggs. I pay for them and ask him Farmer Chris Kurth of Siena Farms to hold them for me. Then I walk the whole market and at the very end, I go back and pick up my eggs." This tip points out the need to get to the market early and make a sweep to buy items that might be going fast. In addition to the ever popular fresh eggs, this also applies to items like the first-of-the-season strawberries, early peaches or the first heirloom tomatoes.
Walk the Market
A stroll around the entire market will let you decide who has the best looking items. Scan the prices and grab anything that is in short supply and may be gone before you get back to that stand. You may find menu inspiration at the third vendor's stand or spy perfect Swiss chard at the last stand you would have visited.
And, don't forget to look for prepared foods or partially prepared foods. We're seeing more of those at farmers' markets. Last week I bought partly baked pizza shells from Iggy's at the Copley Square market and made a quick supper with them.
Bring Cash, Bags and Containers
Bring cash- ones, fives, tens and quarters. The farmers will love you, and you'll shop faster. There are a few stands that take credit cards, but they tend to be the ones with higher priced items like meat and specialty foods.
Also, bring what you'll need to tote your fresh food home. For example, I bring plastic containers for berries and cherry tomatoes. It insures they arrive home in perfect condition. Remember, a local farmer doesn't grow and pick fruit and vegetables to make them perfect for shipping, they grow and pick them to make them perfectly delicious. You also save the farm the expense of the bags and baskets and help the environment.
Finally, bring an ice pack or a small cooler. It can hold all your shopping or just perishables like meat, cheese and eggs.
Happy shopping!
Details:
To find a farmers' market near you
www.massfarmersmarkets.org
This piece was adapted from one of Penny's "Fresh and Local" Newspaper Columns.
Writer: Penny Cherubino
Photos: © 2010 Penny Cherubino
