Make the most of the farmer’s market * part 2
Turn your weekly farmer’s market trip into a family event.
- Walk or bike to your farmer’s market if you can. Make it a fitness destination.
- Enjoy the ‘extras’ at your market – music, entertainment, community events, kids’ programs, etc.
- Bring your own tote bags or baskets. If you walked or biked, be aware of how much you can carry, and how you’ll do that.
- Bring any clean plastic grocery bags you’ve collected to the market and offer them to the vendors. You don’t have to be the only person reusing your bags – pass them on!
- If you drive a fair distance to the market, consider putting a cooler and some ice packs in the car, to help keep produce fresh on the trip home.
- When you get home, wash and prep the produce right away. Wash and spin the greens (salad and leafy), wrap in paper towels or cotton cloth, and store in plastic bags. Dark plastic helps keep the light out, making the greens last even longer. Keep tomatoes, garlic, onions, peaches, nectarines, and apricots at room temperature.
- Try not to overbuy. Think about what you’ll reasonably eat in a week. If you completely fail at this (as we all do… every year!) and buy far more than you need, call your friends and invite them to a cook-it-yourself farmers’ market party. Have everyone bring an apron and a knife, and make it an evening of cooking together. Fire up the grill, get out the olive oil and herbs, and keep it simple – the flavors of just-harvested foods will give you an amazing meal. Serve some good bread, iced tea, and maybe wine for a great party.
