Navigating the Farmers Markets for Fresh and Healthy Produce

Over the past few weeks, village squares and outdoor venues have become abuzz with local farmers selling the freshest of seasonal produce. Farmers' markets are not only fun but can provide your family with healthy fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers and businesses. As an added bonus, shopping at Farmers Markets is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint since the produce has not had to travel as far to market.

We have collected a few ideas of how to make the most of your visit to the Farmers' Market as well as a list of resources that provide more insights:

• Walk around the whole market: You will want to walk around the whole market before buying. This will give you an idea of what is available and at what prices.
• Bring small bills: This will make transactions easier if you are just purchasing a small quantity at each stand.
• Price: One of the joys of buying produce at the Farmers' Market is that it is in season. However, this does not mean you are always getting it at the lowest prices. In some cases, the first week a fruit or vegetable is available, its price may be a little higher as not producer will have it and it will be available in smaller quantities. If you wait a couple of weeks, the price may come down.
• Ask for seconds: If the appearance of your produce does not matter, ask for seconds. You may be able to get a discount on fruit or veggies with slight bumps or bruises.
• Bring a cooler with ice packs: Bringing along a cooler with ice packs will save you a lot of headaches if the Farmers' Market is not your last stop before going home or if you purchase something that requires refrigeration.
• Consider timing: There are two different strategies here. You will want to arrive early to have the best selection. Additionally, some items will run out quickly. However, there may be deals as the Farmers' Market is about to close.
• Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions. You may learn about new produce or new preparations. You may also want to inquire about farming practices and whether the produce is organic if it is unclear.

Buy Local, Buy Fresh, Buy Healthy!

Sources for more ideas:

6 Tips for Navigating Farmers' Markets in Real Simple

10 Tips for Navigating Your Way Through Farmers Markets in Me You Health

10 Pointers for Farmers Market Shopping in Eat Local Grown

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Preserving Summer's Produce {Extending Summer's Bounty}

Now that we are heading into fall, Farmers' Markets are in full swing and gardeners are busy picking the fruit of their labor. Right now is the time to enjoy all of those wonderful fruits and vegetables at their peak! Taking advantage of local produce is the perfect way to support our very own economies while boosting our health!

There are different ways that you can enjoy summer's bounty well into the winter months. Buying fruits and vegetables now while many are experiencing their peak seasons and preserving them for later is a good way to save money during months when produce is more expensive. Look at all of the ways that you can preserve summer produce so that you can enjoy tastes of summer throughout the year:

• Dehydration: The Washington Post has a nice article about dehydrating produce along with a few recipes.
• Freezing: Eating Well explains how to freeze fruits and vegetables step by step. You can also freeze your herbs in olive oil. TheKitchn shows how to do this easily.
• Canning: From preserves to pickles, canning is a good option for keeping your summer goodies for use the rest of the year. RealSimple has a nice section specifically on canning with directions and ideas.
• Fermenting: Both cucumbers and cabbage can be fermented. The National Center for Home Food Preservation provides some recipes and pointers.
• Saving Green Tomatoes: At the end of the season, you can save green tomatoes by wrapping them in newspaper and storing them in a cool place! Read TLC for instructions on how to save your green tomatoes and ripen them after the harvest.
• Fruit Ice Pops: Martha Stewart has a simple recipe for Fruit Salad Ice Pops that will help you keep your fruit a couple of weeks longer. What a sweet way to celebrate the harvest!

When you are shopping at the Farmers' Markets this week or harvesting from your own garden, keep these ideas in mind for preserving your summer fruits and vegetables! Wouldn't be wonderful to open a jar of homemade jam in the middle of January?

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