The Joy Of Farmers Markets

Some benefits of shopping at Certified Farmers’ markets include:

 

• Certified farmers’ markets benefit the farmers and consumers.  Directly selling to the public eliminates additional costs of a middleman packing and shipping the farmers’ produce.

 

• Farmers can allow their produce to ripen just before harvesting for market.  Whereas, traditional food distribution systems cannot allow for fruits and vegetables to ripen, as they would be too delicate for packing and shipping.

 

• Local seasonal fruits and vegetables that have been allowed to ripen, and are freshly harvested, have a higher nutrient value than produce that is harvested before ripening and has to travel further distances to get to the grocery store.

 

• Not only will you find fresh produce at a certified farmers’ market, you can buy quality raised livestock including grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry and eggs, cheeses, nuts, fresh herbs, oils, fresh-cut flowers and baked goods.

 

• Farmers’ markets can be a fun and educational outing for the family.  Talk with the farmers and learn more about the crops they grow.  A variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, some not commonly found in grocery stores, can be found at the farmer’s market.  Have you heard the saying, “Eat the rainbow?”  Eating fresh fruits and vegetables in many different colors provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals that promote good health.

 

• Many farmers sell certified organic produce, and while others may not be certified organic, they may limit the use of pesticides. For a list of foods that have the most and least pesticide residues, check out the Environmental Working Group’s list of the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15 at https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/.  This is helpful for those who do not wish to buy all of their produce as organic, and the pricing of conventional produce may fit their budget better.  However, if you peruse the farmers’ market when you first arrive, you may compare prices and find that they can be more reasonable than those in a grocery store.

 

• As stated on california-grown.com, “By shopping at certified farmers’ markets, consumers directly support our responsible California family farmers, help save our vanishing farmland and maintain a safe food supply in the state where they raise their families.”