The Secrets Of Your Local Farmer’s Market: A Buyer’s Guide

Thanks to a growing “locavore” trend, farmer’s markets have been popping up all over the country over the past several decades. Sure, your local farmer’s market is the perfect place to grab some delicious prepared food and listen to a live band, but relying on your it for your grocery shopping needs (while desirable) can be a little baffling. Fear not. We have compiled a list of insider tips to help you navigate the heaping piles of veggies, artisanal cheeses, and frozen meats at your local farmer’s market.

A Carnivore's Delight: Meet The Meats

Cost, farming practices, and available cuts can all impact your choice of vendor. According to Consumer Reports, grass-fed, organic beef averages just under $8 per pound — and this is might be a low estimate! Don’t fret — farmer’s markets tend to offer beef at a much more reasonable price. Grass-fed ground beef can range from $5 to $7 per pound, based on a range of factors including farming practices (is the beef organically raised? Pasture raised? Both?) and price of grain. Take a stroll around the market and compare prices to see who’s got the best deals. Be sure to look for grass-fed beef, and, if it’s organic you’re looking for, make sure to verify since “grass-fed” and “organic” are not synonymous! The same rule of thumb goes for other meats and eggs: always look for “grass-fed” or “free range”, and check out some different vendors before making your final decision. Insider tip: if you can find buffalo or “beefalo” at your local farmer’s market, give it a try. Much leaner than beef, it still maintains a rich flavor and is a great burger substitute if you’re in the mood for something new.

Vegetarian’s Dilemma: Picking Veggies At Your Local Farmer's Market

While you can safely bet that most of produce sold at your local farmer’s market is, in fact, local, some vendors sell produce that's made a bit of a trek. The best way to ensure that you are buying truly local produce? Get to know your farmers! Ask lots of questions about the food, how it was grown, and where it is from, and always make sure you are selecting healthy-looking, seasonal crops. Keep in mind that sometimes what appears to be the best deal can be misleading: is the cost per pound? Per bunch? A couple rounds of all the stalls at the market, and you’re sure to find your farmer! Another fun trick is to single out a veggie that you’ve never had before (or rarely buy) and bring it home to prepare. Do this each week, and you just might find a new favorite. If you’re not sure how to prepare it, just ask the farmer.

Sweet Dreams are Made of Cheese

Be sure to hit up the farm-fresh cheese stalls for a wedge or two of dairy heaven. Scratch that — just buy all the cheese. Well, maybe not all, but the array of artisanal cheeses available at most markets is exciting and overwhelming all at once. Go crazy with tastings and try a nip of organic blue, an herbed chevre, and maybe a sheep parmesan! Don’t be afraid to take advantage of those samples to narrow down which block of creamy goodness will be coming home with you. From goat to cow to sheep, you’ll find cheeses made with every milk and seasoning you could dream of.

The Rest

From canned goods and earrings to cutting boards and hard ciders, odds are that your local farmer’s market offers a heck of a lot more than lettuce. So much of your local farmer’s market experience depends on where you are, and your own personal aesthetic. The best rule to live by is this: know your farmer, your craftsman, or vendor, and ask lots of questions. It won’t take long to pick out your favorite farmer’s market treats! Head to New England and tour some of the smallest, some of the biggest, and certainly some of the all around best markets in the country. While you’re here, dive into the region’s rich culinary history with a foodie getaway package, and reserve a table at the exquisite farm-to-table restaurants that abound.

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