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Heading off to my local farmers market today I remembered how fabulous it is to have access to super fresh fruit and vegetables, baking, juices, eggs, fish, and meat.
There was a steady stream of people buying their weekly goods, sitting around enjoying lunch from caravan cookeries (I’m not sure that’s really a word but I like the sound of it!). The visit was topped off by some street theatre. A perfect outing!
1. They’re Fresh
When the farmers themselves bring their fruit and vegetables to market, you know they’re fresh. No cold storage, ripening with ozone, oddly perfectly sized or shiny produce …. just the regular old odd shapes and sizes, ones that smell good and look good.
2. They’re Affordable
By-passing the chain of suppliers that bring your goods from the farm to the supermarket prevents additional costs being added to your food. When produce is produced locally in season, it automatically costs less to produce. That’s a whole lot easier on your pocket!
If you struggle to find enough dollars in your budget for fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish or eggs from the supermarket, then pop along to your local market and fill your fridge for the week for a fraction of the cost.
3. They’re In Season
At the market, you’ll find food that’s in season, not food that’s been sitting around in a chilled warehouse in storage. Eating foods in season is when it’s at its most flavourful and nutritious, not to mention the most affordable. When food is not in season, it’s either grown in a glasshouse or imported from other parts of the world. Both affect the taste.
Seasonable food is much better for the environment as well. It gives the ground time to replenish and rebuild.
4. They’re A Little Different
Farmers markets are great opportunities for small suppliers to rent a space, unpack a table, and launch their unique goods. They can easily afford a stall without the additional costs of selling through a shop. This means they can bring their specialised products to the market and give us the gift of extending our standard purchases.
Need some gluten-free baking? Fresh egg or rice noodles? Smoked salt? Organic honey drinks? Beef biltong? Warm churros? Well come along and enjoy!
5. They’re Entertaining
Farmers markets are never just about produce. Instead, you’ll find a whole lot of delish treats to polish off for lunch once you’ve finished shopping. Sit around and enjoy the market buzz, check out the colorful produce, and if you’re lucky, there’ll be some kind of entertainment on at the same time.
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