Maximize Your Time at the Market
Last week I wrote a post asking you to leave a comment with locavore questions you wanted answered. The only comment I received was from mega blogger and efficiency king Michael Hyatt (who also happens to be my dad- thanks Dad!). So without further ado, I will answer his question.
How can I maximize my time at a Farmers Market? Where should I go first, second, third, etc.
When you walk into a farmers market, it can seem intimidating. Where should I go first? This is often the first question people ask themselves internally. Of course this will vary depending on your shopping list, budget and time – but for an overall guide this is what I suggest.
Seasonal fruits and new produce will go first. Berries, apples, peaches, cherries and the first of the season’s corn, tomatoes etc will be the first items to “sell out” at the Market. Shop the market early to get those items, and make those the 1st stop.
Tip: Many of the popular vendors will have long lines. This is where bringing a friend helps. One of you can stand in line, while the other keeps on shopping.
Specialty items tend to sell out fast too. Every market has a couple vendors who’s products are so hot they fly off the table. At my market I know to get the fresh pressed juice first because they usually sell out in an hour if you didn’t pre-order.
Tip: If you want a guarantee that your favorite thing will be there, contact the vendor and ask if you can pre-order ahead of time and pick up and the Market.
Meats are an item that I try and get to third. They will always have something you can buy, but can run out of items like bacon and specialty sausage.
Dairy is another item that I will hit up towards the end. Most cheese, milk and egg vendors will have enough product to last the whole market. Plus you don’t want cold items sitting in your market bags for long.
Tip: Bring a cooler bag to put your frozen meats and fresh dairy items in to make sure they stay cold until you get home.
Baked goods, honey, flowers, jams and body products are always the last on my list. They bring the same supply every week (give or take) and tend to always have enough. I’ve never seen someone who sells soap or honey run out.
And, don’t forget to stop along the way and pick up a few treats that will enhance your farmers market experience. Grab a lemonade or fresh coffee for your stroll. As you learn your neighborhood market, you will get to know what items go first and each time will get better at managing your time and money.
Awesome answer, Mary. This is a great post. I’m tweeting it out right now!
I completely agree with this!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks Holly!
Great advice…and very clever graphics! Love your blog! Just thinking about making a peach cobbler and wondering if I could find peaches at my Farmer’s Market yet…
Oh I hope you can. Love peach cobbler!
Love going to the farmer’s markets, and yes you’re right, you do need a plan. At my various farmer’s markets the cheese and eggs always run out first so those things move up my list to #1 on my list, along with fresh fruit.
My Grammy Caldwell taught me was how important it is to get to know your farmers. The ones who grow heirloom varieties or who have great prices or who don’t spray – whatever the priorities are for you and your family. I also like to mix it up and go to a different farmer’s market each week. It allows me to “spread the love” as well as to see and taste things that are different.
Good to know. It always varies from Market depending on the size of the Market. You are exactly right. Knowing your farmers and your Market will help you know what to buy first.
Love the idea of visiting different markets each week! Thanks for sharing.
Very good post Mary. As a frequent Kansas farmers market attendee, I always go for corn on the cob first! Get to kno the sellers, especially the ones that have consistently high quality produce. Also don’t haggle over the price. It is worth it to support your neighbors who generally care about their product. Plus it is “good eats!”
Great advice. Thanks for sharing!
Is it too late to ask a question?
In my mind local, organic food is best. When you can only choose one: say local produce maybe or maybe not grown using sustainable, organic methods or organic produce shipped in from across the country, which do you choose? I can see pros and cons to both but would really like your opinion.
Thanks,
Beverly
It’s never too late to ask another question. I will set this up in my upcoming schedule for posting and make sure to answer this. Great question!