Three Great Reasons to Shop at the Farmer’s Market

Today was the opening day of our local Farmer’s Market for the season. I love so many things about farmer’s markets that I wish I could take you all on a little tour! I’ve thought about filming what the experience is like, but it’s one of those places you just can’t help but put your phone away and be fully present.

Avocado*, Radishes, Turnips, Celery*, Peas*, Arugula, Sorrel, Beets… and leftover Tortilla Chips* from the weekend graduation party. I thought about removing them from the photo for a quick second, but I like to keep it real here. *= store-bought items Photo credit: My 8-year-old foodie.

Here are 3 great reasons to shop at your local Farmer’s Market:

The Variety of Produce. The variety of produce at a farmer’s market is often wider than that in your local grocery store. This is true even in our little north Iowa town. The growers often know some fun facts about the produce that makes trying it an adventure. Tonight we tried Sorrel. I hadn’t heard of it, but the grower compared the flavor to a green apple. He was right on! I loved watching our kids’ noses scrunch up as they took their first bite. I told them to imagine it was a sour candy. It got many laughs, and some of us reached to the center of the table for more! I enjoyed it best wrapped around a Wisconsin curd of cheese. I’m looking forward to putting a few leaves in my breakfast smoothie tomorrow. Yum! There are also amazing baked goods at nearly every market I’ve ever been to. My friend E, of Happy Sweets, is experimenting with some gluten-free treats at our local market this year as well. Praise the Lord!
The Community. You guys, the conversations at the market are nothing like those inside of a commercial building with fluorescent lighting. Don’t get me wrong, I shop at those places too (dang, generic pull-ups keep us going back again and again. I hope to have this kiddo fully potty trained soon). Really though, strike up a conversation with just about anyone at the market. These are my kind of people, and if you’re here reading this, I bet they are your kind of people too.
You’re supporting real local families. You are validating someone’s hobby by listening to them explain their crops or products. You are putting dollars into the hands of local people, who will put those dollars back into the community. More times than not the prices at the Farmer’s Market are less expensive than the grocery stores, and fewer (if any) chemicals are used to raise the crop. Young families are growing their crops while teaching the next generation the art of growing and harvesting. It’s simply beautiful.

I want to know, are you into the market scene the way I am?

If you’re in the North Iowa area and want to check out my favorite little market, you can find the details HERE on their Facebook page.