Choosing a Farmers' Market

When you are cooking you usually want to have the freshest produce that is available. The best place to go of course would be your own garden. When that can't happen, or you simply can't produce enough different items to meet your needs, then the Farmer's market is an excellent choice.

The Farmers' market is a place where locally grown produce and home manufactured products are sold. In some places in the world a weekly market day is actually part of the everyday life. By attending a local Farmers' market, you can learn more information about the local culture of the area you are visiting.

It seems that Farmers' markets are popping up all over the place. While more people are enjoying the homemade baked goods, the freshest produce available anywhere, farmers are getting some great benefits as well. The farmers get to meet the end users who appreciate the fresher produce, and who will come back year after year.

If you live in a large metropolitan area you will several choices as to what Farmers' Market that you want to go to. Choosing one market over another can be fun. The best way to find your favorite market is by visiting all of the different ones in your area. Take notes on the different market's in your area as you try to find the right one for you. Be sure to write down the location of each one with your thoughts about each one. Some of the things that you will want to look for:

• Vendors: Are the vendors friendly? Is the vendor willing to take time to answer your questions about their produce or home manufactured goods?
• Food: Is there a large variety of different types of food? There should be a wide variety of different types of vegetables and fruits that you can choose from.
• Atmosphere: Is the market place family oriented? Is the area generally clean? Does it look and feel like everyone is having a good time? The Farmer's market should be a pleasant experience. A place where you can do your shopping in a more relaxed atmosphere, not the hurry up pace that you often feel at the supermarket.
• Expense: The food and other items being sold are usually cheaper than the supermarket since there is no middle man. There is less damaged fruit or produce because the transportation of the product is less.

When shopping at a local Farmers' market you help to create a sense of community, while also helping the local farmers.