Interest in local foods is more than a trend, and certainly from a historic perspective – it’s a return to the “way things used to be”.
The number of Farmers’ Markets has grown dramatically in the past few years, this echoes the increased interest by consumers to procure tasty, fresh, unique, and ripe food.
There are diverse reasons shoppers appreciate Farm Markets. Many site the interaction with farmers, growers, and crafters to be a highlight. The opportunity to talk with people about their products is powerful. When purchasing relish at the supermarket, for example, it’s not possible to ask when it was made, how it was canned, and if there is a secret recipe, maybe even one that can be shared. A conversation with a grower can be much more than “how much are the tomatoes”; it may inform every tomato purchase that you have after that. Things like fertilizer use, pest prevention tactics, heirloom and open pollinated seed, how to avoid blight, recipe suggestions, and much more may transpire between consumer and grower. This is just one of many thousands of conversations that happen at a typical market. At the least, Farmers’ Markets are a place to find seasonal products; but there is much more to the equation, they are an opportunity to build community, support smaller growers, circulate dollars within the local economy, and boost health and diversity within diets.
You’ll find all sorts of fresh foods at your farmers market.
Many Markets take place outdoors offering a neat environment for children and adults alike. Some also have kid-focused activities and amenities. Shopping with children at Farmers’ Markets is a neat experience to share. Opportunities to show that food isn’t made in a supermarket but is grown and that the growers are “real” people. Also, depending on the Market, shopping may be a cultural diversity adventure for kids. Different cultures have different vegetables that are common in their recipes and may be present at a Market.
Often referenced rationale for shopping at Farmers’ Markets might be familiar, though it bears repeating. People love that produce is allowed to ripen on the plant versus in the shipping crate or on the shelf.
Almost always, the produce is picked day of the Market, offering freshness that is only rivaled by backyard gardening. In addition, the varieties that are grown by Market vendors can be focused on attributes like flavor, and color versus shelf life and transportation tolerance. Some customers purchase in larger quantities in order to put-by for off-season eating through canning, freezing, and dehydrating.
Take every possible opportunity to stop by Farmers’ Markets, each experience is bound to be different and rewarding. Unique foods, neat ideas, and great people abound. Whether trendy or not, they are dang tasty!