Farmers markets are fabulous places. With fresh air, friendly folks, and an ever-changing selection of local foods that are full of vital nutrients and delicious flavor, they’re an ideal place for a stroll and a great source of healthy foods. In fact, deciding what to buy at a farmers market can be tricky because there are so many fantastic things to choose from.
What to Buy at a Farmers Market
How do you know what to buy at a farmers market? With vibrant colors that delight the eye, rich scents that tempt the nose, and knowledgeable farmers manning the stalls, all you have to do is follow your senses. Will you settle on a familiar favorite, take a chance on something new, or opt to do both? After all, you’re likely to find many things that would be a good fit for your shopping basket.
Tomatoes
The tomatoes found in many grocery stores are often picked green, truck-ripened, and shipped long distances to stores. As a result, they’re very different from the utterly delicious ones that you’ll find at your local farmers market. Fresh off the vine, these tomatoes are bursting with flavor and nutrients. Do they even look a little different? That’s because there are many varieties of tomatoes, and you’re likely to find several in an open-air market. Each variety has a unique taste and texture, so it’s worth trying a few kinds to find your favorite.
Asparagus
Did you know that imported asparagus is sprayed with a pesticide called methyl bromide before it’s allowed to appear on store shelves? When you buy locally produced asparagus at your farmers market, you generally only have to worry about the dirt clinging to it, and that’s fairly easy to wash off.
Grapes
The grapes found at a farmers market are often smaller, less polished, and seeded, but they make up for it with a sweetness that’s hard to beat. Their tangy flavor means that they’re ideal as a quick snack or the perfect addition to fruit salad or dessert.
Carrots
The best carrots aren’t scrubbed and sealed in plastic. They’re found in bunches with the green tops and bits of soil still in place. While they may take a bit more effort to prepare than the ones found in grocery stores, the carrots found in farmers markets are more flavorful and more colorful. While you’ll see the traditional orange, you may also find these veggies in shades of yellow and purple.
Berries
The strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries that stock grocery store shelves are often grown in far-off places like Mexico or Poland. The ones found in the stalls of your farmers market generally originate much closer to home and come with lush flavors that are more complex.
Watermelon
Juicy and sweet, watermelon is proof positive that not everything that tastes good is bad for you. This summer-time favorite is deliciously low in calories and filled to the brim with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Honey
The bounty found at farmers markets isn’t limited to fruits and veggies. Fresh, local honey is always delicious, and it’s often available at these open-air marketplaces. To add to the fun, many beekeepers now offer variations infused with other flavors that are a special treat for the taste buds. Going local may also offer health benefits. Since local bees use the local pollen when producing their honey, it may help people who consume it build their immunity and ease the misery of seasonal allergy symptoms.
Bread
If you’re wondering what to buy at a farmers market, you can’t go wrong with bread. Baked goods are common sights at farmers markets. Yeast breads, quick breads, cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, scones, and other treats are freshly baked and made with simple ingredients and minimal additives, so it’s no wonder that these tasty wares are popular with shoppers.
Plants
Do you enjoy having flowers, plants, and other types of greenery around? A farmers market is a great place to find a healthy selection of live plants. As an added bonus, the experts who grew them are often on hand and willing to offer tips and advice.
Soap
Handmade soaps and lotions that are lovingly crafted with local, farm-fresh ingredients may not be edible, but they can certainly do a body good. They can be a wonderful treat for even sensitive skin and generally smell divine.
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At Springhouse Village, we understand the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle. That’s why we make it easy for our residents to be active participants in our community. Whether it’s encouraging our residents to enjoy the benefits of shopping at local farmers markets, providing places where they can practice and share their hobbies, or creating continuing education opportunities by connecting with local schools, we are continually striving to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the activities, amenities, and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today.