Guest Author - Jennifer Minekheim

No one who knows me would ever call me a lover of plant-based foods. A vegetarian I am not. I am the last person (except perhaps my boyfriend) in any dinner party to reach for the broccoli, spinach, squash, cauliflower, etc… I could keep going, but the list of vegetables I do not like would honestly never end. Even I, hater of most things that grow in the ground, absolutely love the farmer’s market!

What’s to love about the farmer’s market? Everything! Exploring the market is my favorite way to spend a Saturday morning. Unfortunately, I work Monday through Friday, so my options are limited, but in many towns you can find a farmer’s market every day of the week.

In Los Angeles, for instance, you can go to “The Original Farmers Market” on 3rd and Fairfax which, according to it’s website, www.farmersmarketla.com, has been up and running since 1934. It has turned in to not only a place to do your shopping, but also a dining, shopping, and entertainment destination.

In New York City, there are the Greenmarket farmer’s markets, the most famous one being the Union Square location, which is open year-round (although in the mean months of the winter there may be a lot less vendors). According to their website, www.cenyc.org/greenmarket, Greenmarket, a program of the Council on the Environment of NYC, has been in the farmer’s market business since 1976 and currently has 46 locations across the 5 boroughs.

You do not have to live in a large metropolis to experience the joys of locally grown produce, however. Cities all across the country have farmer’s markets. Just do an internet search with your hometown and the words “farmer’s market” and you are likely to find a schedule of the markets in your area.

There are so many reasons to shop at a farmer’s market, if not exclusively, then in addition to your normal grocery store. The first reason is the quality and freshness of the produce. Many of the fruits and vegetables you purchase at your local farmer's market were plucked from the ground or the trees within the last 24 hours. The produce you purchase in the supermarket, while convenient, may be several days old by the time it reaches the shelves. It may have been shipped to your town from another state, or even another country! How else could you find berries in December in the Northeast?

Prices are also frequently less expensive at the farmer’s market than at your local grocery store. For a grocery store to make a profit on its goods, it has charge enough to cover the costs of delivery (fuel, trucks, drivers, etc.) as well as employees to stock the shelves and assist the customers. By buying locally, you are not only helping the environment by decreasing fuel needs, but you are supporting the local economy by supporting hometown growers.

In addition, since you are usually buying the produce at the farmer’s market directly from the growers or their employees, you are dealing with people who can answer your questions! This may seem silly, but I can’t tell you how many times I have walked up to a teenager at the local supermarket and asked him what the difference is between red and white potatoes only to receive a blank stare in response.

This is especially helpful because you are more likely to find exotic, unfamiliar produce at a local farmer’s market. Sometimes all you need is someone who can tell you how to cook that new variety of squash and what to pair it with, to get you to try something new and delicious. Although I don’t like many vegetables, I have started cooking with a lot more fresh fruits and herbs because I buy them from people who can tell me what to do with them!

For others like me, who might not eat too many vegetables, there is so much to the farmer’s market than produce! I was actually originally lured to the farmer’s market when I came across one in a shopping mall parking lot, and discovered a local bakery that had a stand there. After speaking with the girl who sold me that delicious raspberry-chocolate chunk scone, I sought them out at other markets they went to, and became a frequent customer of a Saturday market close to my home.

At that market, they have a large variety of foods such as bread, pastries, meat, fish, cheese, coffee beans, olive oils, fruits and veggies, flowers and herbs. There are also many non-edible items as well, such as clothing, paintings and wares by local artisans, jewelry, knitted hats and scarves; the list goes on and on!

The final reason to check out your local farmer’s market is fun! I stroll along in the sunshine; taking in the sights, smells, and tastes (can you say free samples?). Parents are there teaching their children where their food actually comes from. Couples stroll along hand in hand, picking up the ingredients for a romantic, home-cooked meal. A local artist is usually performing music, while I admire the beautiful tomatoes, but ultimately end up buying a calorie-laden chocolate brownie. What could be better? Get out and mingle — visit a local farmer’s market this weekend!