Are you one of the regulars at your local farmers market? If not, try to shop directly from your local farmers soon-you won’t be sorry. If you are, good for you!
Here are some scenes from the Upcountry Maui Farmers Market:
Tips for Shopping Your Farmers Market
The early bird catches the worm, so get there early !
~ Some vendors sell items that are highly sought after {i.e. fresh fish, asparagus, etc}; they will sell out quickly. If you want something that is a hot seller, you had better get there early, or you just might be out of luck & have to settle for next best.
Bring cash, more than you think you will need {so you don’t need to worry about running out}, in small denominations
~ Vendors aren’t going to have the cash to make change if lots of people give them large bills. Try to have small bills/change as much as possible.
Be friendly!
~ Most of the folks you will encounter at the farmers market are looking for the same things you are looking for-high quality foods for reasonable prices. Just about anything is more fun with a smile.
Take plastic/cloth bags for your produce.
~ Many vendors do not provide bags. Find some big bags & reuse them. For example, Swiss chard does not fit in a gallon bag, so it is nice to have the larger bags. Big beautiful heads of lettuce need a big bag too, so they don’t get crunched up. You can put multiple things in each bag, and separate them when you get home.
You will need something in which to carry your purchases.
~ Some people use bags, while others have cool baskets to carry their market finds home.
Get to know your vendors; develop a relationship with the vendors you like to patronize.
~ When the vendor knows that you are a regular customer, you may get an extra eggplant, or they will select the best head of lettuce for you.
~ You may get a better price.
~ It’s fun to get to know the people who are working hard to provide you with the food you will eat that week.
~ If you see something you don’t recognize, ask your farmer how she likes to eat it. Give it a try, and then report back the following week.
Relax & have fun purchasing healthy foods to nourish your body!
Maui Girl Cooks 