It’s no secret that I love myself some farmer’s market. The produce is usually waaaaay fresher than the grocery store, comes in different varieties, and best of all, cuts out the middleman–leaving produce in your fridge and cash right in the farmer’s pocket. Does anyone else feel all warm and fuzzy inside?
They key to shopping farmer’s markets is to embrace the season. It’s not like the grocery store where you’ll find oranges shipped in from Australia or cantaloupe from Mexico. Most of the food has been grown within 100 miles of the market, so your climate and soil will dictate what you’ll find. That being said, once you wrap your mind around that, you’ll totally be able to savor the season.
I thought it might be kind of fun to arm you with a little monthly guild to the farmer’s market. Keep in mind, it will vary a bit from state to state, but in general, it will hold true.
What You’ll Likely See in May:
- Asparagus
- Radishes
- Lettuce
- Endive
- Kale
- Arugula
- Cabbage
- Spinach
- Beets
- Strawberries {in warmer climates}
- Artichokes
- Onions
- Broccoli
- Broccoli Raab
- Rhubarb
- Sugar Snap Peas
- Mushrooms
- Fresh Cheese.
- Milk
- Artisan Bread
- Fresh Tortillas
- Farm Fresh Eggs
- Sausages and Meats
I am sure you already know, but the nutritional value of fresh produce starts to diminish within a week of picking, so shopping the farmer’s markets ensures you get produce that was picked mere days before you plan to consume it. It also likely means that nothing was sprayed on the produce to make it last while shipping. Best of all, most of the food was allowed to ripen right on the plant {what a novel idea}, so it will taste a thousand times better.
Now, get out and find yourself a farmer’s market already!
~Mavis
Want to know how to choose the best of what the farmer’s market has to offer? Check out Choosing the Best Produce at the Farmer’s Market for tips.
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