Even if you're committed to eating organic food and supporting local growers, shopping at a farmer's market can be intimidating—and that can lead you to make some blunders that keep you from scoring the freshest products at the best price. Whether you're a weekly visitor or a newbie, reading up on these common mistakes can help you get the most out of your greenmarket experience.
You Get There Too Late in the Day
"The freshest selection is found in the morning, before crowds come and things get picked over," says Laura McDonald, communications specialist at GrowNYC, a nonprofit that organizes farmer's markets in New York City. Even on a day when the market isn't mobbed, fresh greens and other products that haven't been grown with pesticides and preservatives start to look a little rough later in the day—it's part of eating naturally. How late is too late depends on your local market, but aim to arrive by noon at the latest.
You Assume Everything Is Organic and Local
Farmer's markets have a health halo around them—but that doesn't mean everything sold there is locally grown or certified organic (or particularly nutritious, for that matter). If those conditions matter to you, ask sellers specifically about their products, says Macdonald. You'll have to trust that the farmer is being honest with you about not using chemical pesticides and fertilizers, but you can easily spot a non-local fruit or veggie by knowing what's in season in your growing area and what isn't. "Right now in New York, for example, you won't be able to find locally grown Brussels sprouts," says McDonald. "So if you see them, you know they've been brought in from another region."
MORE: Why It's Worth It to Go Organic
You Don't Know That Prices Aren't Set in Stone
We're not saying you should haggle—the farmer's market isn't a garage sale. But sometimes growers cut deals. It's up to the individual seller, but some will lower prices in the late afternoon or be open to a price reduction, says McDonald. If you're on a limited budget, it's worth asking a farmer as the market winds down if he or she is willing to make a deal.
You Never Shop Around
Most markets support many vendors who sell the same products—so it pays to do a lap to see all the different sellers and then ask around to find out which one works with your needs best. For example, one booth might sell eggs and poultry that are raised with certain humane conditions—and some veggies may be cheaper than others. It's all part of being a smart shopper.
You Don't Bring Your Own Bag
Vendors often put your purchases in flimsy plastic bags, but carrying several of them can be a pain—and using non-insulated bags might make your veggies wilt as you walk around. "In the summer, greens can get damaged after just 30 minutes in a plastic bag," says McDonald. Be sure to carry what you've bought in a canvas tote or backpack to make it easier on you and to protect them from sun and heat. When it's very warm out, go with an insulated soft-backed cooler bag with an ice pack.
MORE: The Surprising Way to Keep Avocados Fresh That Will Blow Your Mind
You Forget About All the Other Things Venders Sell Besides Greens
When you think about a farmer's market, ripe and delicious fruits and veggies are probably what immediately come to mind. But most markets sell a range of products, such as eggs, poultry, meat, baked goods, wine, condiments, pickles, fresh flowers and plants, and preserves. So don't forget about those, too.
You Don't Hit the ATM Machine First
Plastic is accepted just about everywhere these days—except for farmer's markets, where it's rare to find vendors who take credit cards. So on your way to the market, remember to swing by the cash machine.
MORE: 50 Food Tips That Will Change Your Life!
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