Why I Love Shopping at the Farmers Market
Shopping at my local farmers market is easily the highlight of my week. Every Saturday morning during market season, we grab our reusable bags, stroll up and down the stalls and see what's fresh that week. One Saturday it might be bunches of asparagus and tender greens, and a few weeks later the tables are overflowing with colorful tomatoes, sweet peppers, and baskets of berries.
Living in the Pacific Northwest has taught me to appreciate just how seasonal produce really is. Unlike warmer climates where some fruits and vegetables are available for much longer, our growing season changes week by week. I love planning my meals around whatever is at its peak, then sharing my market haul (and what I'm cooking with it) over on Instagram.
Supporting local farmers and small businesses is something I truly value, and I hope this guide inspires you to fill your own bags with seasonal produce and turn it into delicious meals.
Jump to:
- Why I Love Shopping at the Farmers Market
- Farmers Market Shopping Tips
- What's in Season at the Farmers Market
- Leafy Greens: The First Sign of Spring
- Berries: Sweet Summer Favorites
- Zucchini: More Than Just Bread
- Tomatoes: The Stars of Summer
- Eggplant: Perfect for Grilling, Roasting and Frying
- Stone Fruit: Use in both Sweet and Savory Summer Dishes
- Beets: Sweet, Earthy and Surprisingly Versatile
Farmers Market Shopping Tips
- Bring reusable bags
- Bring cash with small bills
- Walk through the market before buying
- Compare prices and see what's in season
- Buy one new ingredient each week
What's in Season at the Farmers Market
Every region has its own growing season, so what you'll find at your local market may be different from mine. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the market changes dramatically throughout the season.
Spring begins with leafy greens, asparagus and strawberries, and peak summer brings tomatoes, peppers and zucchini. And that's all part of the fun, because each week is a new culinary adventure.
Below are some of my favorite farmers market finds, along with simple tips for choosing, storing, and cooking each one.
Leafy Greens: The First Sign of Spring
Tip: Store the greens with a paper towel to keep them fresh throughout the week.
Berries: Sweet Summer Favorites
Tip: Wash berries right before you enjoy them, so they stay fresh and intact.
Zucchini: More Than Just Bread
Tip: Smaller zucchini will be sweeter and if you spot zucchini flowers, grab them! They are one of my favorite seasonal treats.
Tomatoes: The Stars of Summer
Tip: Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size and smell fragrant at the stem. Store them at room temperature for the best flavor.
Eggplant: Perfect for Grilling, Roasting and Frying
Tip: Look for eggplants that are smooth, have a shiny peel and feel heavy for their size.
Stone Fruit: Use in both Sweet and Savory Summer Dishes
Tip: If your fruit isn't quite ripe yet, leave them on the counter for a day or two, and they'll continue to ripen and sweeten.
Beets: Sweet, Earthy and Surprisingly Versatile
Tip: Keep the beet greens and use them the same way you would with spinach or chard. Just be sure to wash them very well.
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