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Tips for a successful trip to the market

With all the recent interest in locally grown, farm-fresh and organic foods, it’s no wonder the number of U.S. farmers markets has more than tripled in the past 15 years. There are now more than 7,175 across the country, according to the Agriculture Department.

Buying local means products are picked at peak ripeness, providing the top freshness, flavor and nutrients. The foods are transported fewer miles and are coming directly from the people who grow them. And you can feel good about supporting your local economy and strengthening the local food system.

Now is the time to get exploring, to discover new produce and fresh or potted herbs that your supermarket might not feature.

Proper preparation can help make a good experience great. Follow these guidelines to get the most out of your farmers market:

Ÿ Bring reusable, clean bags to carry your goodies home. Use separate bags for raw and cooked foods.

Ÿ Bring storage containers for delicate produce such as berries and cherry tomatoes that might otherwise get crushed when combined with other products.

Ÿ Arrive early in the day before the crowds for the best selection. That perfectly plump tomato will be the first to go. However, if you do go toward the end of the day, you might get some good deals.

Ÿ Bring cash in small bills with a bag for change.

Ÿ Go in with an open mind. My first experience with garlic scapes was because one of the vendors pointed it out to me and said you could make an amazing pesto out of the twisty, curly plant. Garlic scapes are now something I very much look forward to and can’t find anywhere but at the market.

Ÿ Take the time to scope out the entire market, as different farmers offer different selections and prices of the same items. And be sure to ask the farmers how long produce will stay fresh to make sure you don’t overbuy. They also usually can provide good storage tips.

Ÿ Elaine Gordon, a master of public health professional and a master certified health education specialist, is creator of the healthful recipe site EatingbyElaine.com.

Farmers Market Salad With Herbed Vinaigrette

2013 Farmers Markets

To market, to market

Proper preparation can help make a good experience great. Follow these guidelines to get the most out of your farmers market:

Ÿ Bring reusable, clean bags to carry your goodies home. Use separate bags for raw and cooked foods.

Ÿ Bring storage containers for delicate produce such as berries and cherry tomatoes that might otherwise get crushed when combined with other products.

Ÿ Arrive early in the day before the crowds for the best selection. That perfectly plump tomato will be the first to go. However, if you do go toward the end of the day, you might get some good deals.

Ÿ Bring cash in small bills with a bag for change.

Ÿ Go in with an open mind. My first experience with garlic scapes was because one of the vendors pointed it out to me and said you could make an amazing pesto out of the twisty, curly plant. Garlic scapes are now something I very much look forward to and can’t find anywhere but at the market.

Ÿ Take the time to scope out the entire market, as different farmers offer different selections and prices of the same items. And be sure to ask the farmers how long produce will stay fresh to make sure you don’t overbuy. They also usually can provide good storage tips.

— Elaine Gordon

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