If you’re a true foodie, chances are you’re probably obsessed with farmers’ markets.
Many of us shared the same epiphany during our first visit: ‘I wish I’d shopped here my entire life’.
We crave the weekly chaos of foraging through crowds for our fresh produce, local meats and cheeses and the occasional cute dog. Bustling with dozens of new patrons and vendors weekly, navigating the local farmers market can be challenging for both rookies and seasoned patrons.
But it’s not impossible. The new age of farmers’ market etiquette has been finely honed so grab your notebook and get your etiquette caps on, and we will help you establish a flawless morning produce shopping routine.
Go seasonal
Going to the farmers’ market without knowing what’s in season is a blind venture. Aim to cook seasonal dishes in order to make the most of the tastiest fruits and veggies available. Do a quick online search for seasonal food charts.
Be sustainable
Arriving at the market as an empty-handed plastic consumer is much like forgetting to bring your towel to the gym. Most farmers have tiny plastic bags available for customers but accepting them is a market taboo. Do the environment a favour and invest in a basket or bag that will last you several seasons.
Grab yourself some farm fresh eggs, chorizo and olives and make this delicious frittata. Click here for the recipe.
Embrace samples
Don’t feel as if you’re imposing by accepting samples weekly. This is the farming world’s form of marketing. They want you to taste their products and show you what they have to offer. Don’t be afraid to sample at several different vendors on a weekly basis. It’s a chance for you to know what you’re buying before you do — something most standard grocers can’t offer. Sample away and you’ll delight the farmers in the process. Remember the rule: when in doubt, accept.
Bring plenty of cash
You’ll need to make a routine stop at the bank before farmers’ market trips. Most sellers prefer cash and don’t have credit card facilities.
Mind the queue
If there is a cue you know what to do. Don’t be that person or family who is oblivious to a line and demands service first. Mind other market goers with respect and kindness by honouring the sacred line.
Farmers’ markets are the perfect place to buy the freshest, sweetest berries. Then go home and make this divine pavlova recipe.
Be friendly with farmers
Chances are these farmers and their families have been serving your local area for generations. At the very least they deserve a weekly routine smile and “thank you”. If you are feeling extra curious, ask for their stories.
Keep your hands to yourself
Try not to touch, squeeze and feel every vegetable and fruit you come in contact with. Learn to use your eyes and light smelling to judge ripeness. Learn also to invest trust in the farmers who picked the best crop of the day. Unliketraditional markets, trustworthy farmers (you’ll learn who they are) will usually choose only the best and ripest produce for their customers.
Don’t haggle
The farmers’ market is not the place to haggle — it comes off as quite crass. That apple may cost more than it would at a chain supermarket, but at the end of the day you are buying fresh farm-to-table produce. It’s worth the extra money.
This article originally appeared on our sister site, Recipes+
Image via Rob Shaw / bauersyndication.com.au
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