Visiting Your Local Farmer's Market

by Ann Martin

Time to go out and explore your community! With so many local farms and orchards growing fresh produce, a trip to your local farmer's market is simply a must this time of year. You can't get fresher than a tomato that just got picked! Not only is it a fun way to try out new fruits and veggies, but you are supporting your local community and economy as well.

If you are new to a certain area, ask the locals where the farmer's market is located. Chances are they frequent the market quite often and can give you some advice on which vendor has the juiciest strawberries or the best zucchini. Otherwise, just do a simple search online to see what is available in your area.

Take the kids! Making a special trip the farmer's market can be exciting for the entire family! Who knew that there could be excitement about fruits and vegetables? Most vendors even have samples out for you to try their produce. Who doesn't love free samples? This is a great way for kids to try and eat something new.

Some communities even have community supported agriculture groups. These special groups consists of local farmers who deliver a mix of fresh produce and sometimes the produce can be delivered right to your front door. The produce is always an assortment and makes for a nice surprise to see what everyone will be having for dinner that week. Go ahead and use those vegetables in a vegetable medley casserole, serve it on your Noritake colorwave plates along side some freshly baked rolls and you ready to enjoy dinner!

While checking out your local farmer's market, you may find much more than you expected. From local vendors selling fresh herbs to flowers and everything in between, you never know what you will discover at your local farmer's market. Perhaps, you might get lucky and see a stand set up by a local baker offering freshly baked goodies - now that is a real treat. Sometimes freshly produced yogurts and cheeses are available also.

Once you visit your local farmer's market, it will be quite tempting to buy everything in site. Before you go, you should have a plan as to what you may need to create some fresh meals for that week. You don't want to buy too much produce and have it spoil. But, if you can have a list of meals for the week that are already planned out, you already know what and how much you need. No matter what meals you choose to make that week, you can never eat enough fresh salad. So splurge if you find a nice selection of various lettuces, create and serve a fresh salad on your dinnerware for everyone to enjoy.

Not only will your intake of fruits and veggies increase when frequenting your local farmer's market, you help the local farmers and help your community grow and prosper. Eat Healthy. Eat Fresh. Eat Local.