Farmers Market

[mommyof4]

Do any of you regularly shop at a Farmer's Market in your area? If you do, what types of things do you like to buy, i.e. eggs, poultry, pork, beef, baked goods, jams, jellies, etc? What do you avoid purchasing at the market?

Thank you,
Mommyof4

[disneysteve]

We don't regularly shop at a farmer's market but we do so periodically. There isn't one close enough to home to do it more often. We generally buy local produce in season like peppers, pears, corn, etc. What we avoid buying is non-local, out-of-season produce because that is usually cheaper at the supermarket.

[creditcardfree]

I primarily buy in season fruits or vegetables and flowers(for beauty, not consupmtion) I avoid purchasing baked goods!

[mikesaver]

There's a really good Farmer's Market near us and we try to buy most of our produce there. It's usually cheaper and fresher than the supermarket.

[zetta]

I've had zero luck with local farmers markets. 3/4 of the stalls are junk, the tomatoes aren't any better than store-bought, and the inconvenience of being open only a few hours a week just isn't worth the hassle.

[mommyof4]

Thank you for your replies so far. We are going to be selling some of our home grown produce at our local farmers market this summer. This is our first time, so we're trying to get a "feel" from folks as to what they are interested in. We have lots of eggs, and our chickens will be ready to be butchered in a few more weeks, too. I was thinking of making some jelly to sell, too.

[disneysteve]

I've had zero luck with local farmers markets. 3/4 of the stalls are junk, the tomatoes aren't any better than store-bought, and the inconvenience of being open only a few hours a week just isn't worth the hassle.

I think there are 2 general types of farmer's markets. One type is a stand actually owned by (and often located on) a farm where they sell what they grow. That is usually super fresh and less costly than the supermarket.

Then there is the farmer's market that isn't actually associated with a farm. They may buy their produce from local farmers and then mark up the price. They may even buy from some of the same suppliers as your local supermarkets. I try to avoid that kind.

The first kind, actually owned and run by the farmers, is terrific but may have a very limited selection that will vary by season. For example, there are markets we go to just to buy peaches or markets we go to just to buy corn because that's what they grow there.

[jones14richard]

I regularly buy fruits, vegetables, meats and other basic comodities.
I avoid things are often be used.

[snshijuptr]

I love buying eggs at our farmer's market. We also regularly buy potatoes, onions, garlic, and squash. We sometimes buy sweet bread. When my cousin is in town she buys the sushi grade tuna. Of course we have one of the best farmer's markets in Southern California.

[Daylily]

mommyof4,
I think we're in the same state. I grow a lot of my own produce but I visit the farmer's market regularly for the meat. I stock up on it during the summer months. During the other months I purchase from our co-op which sells only natural and organic meats. In my area there is one big farmer's market on Saturdays and then all around there are smaller farmer's markets on the other days except Sunday. My city definitely embraces farmer's markets and the big one on Saturdays has been expanding for several years now.

[HouseHopeful]

I love my local farmers market. However, its run like little businesses that rent space. THere are primary 3 'produce stores', not individual stalls. Outside, though, is a large flea market and we find a lot of neat things there. Most of my big pots for my container garden came from there. Good luck with your sales at the market. I think you'll find that farmers markets attract all kinds of people

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Make sure you get copies of the rules of the market before you sign a contract. Some are pretty strict about operations and what may or may not be sold, others less so.

If your market will allow it, and if local food laws allow it, put up a sign telling customers and people who walk by that you can recycle their egg cartons. That way, you need not buy them new and people feel happy to save them for you. If you like you can discount your dozens by a dime or so if a carton is turned in.

[snafu]

I enjoy buying meat and produce from local farmers during our short growing season. As much as I like them, I don't buy craft items, bread products, jams or pickles because I feel they are over-priced. If you like to make jam or jelly, I suggest you do a cost benefit analysis to determine your costs [sugar,pectin,paraffin,jars,lids,labels,space/table rental & your time].

[jaine]

I love farmer's markets too!!

I buy locally grown, seasonal produce, and local meat and cheese. I try to get grass-fed meat if it's available because it is higher in omega 3 fats, healthier for the heart.

90% of what I eat is local ... it tastes better because it was just picked and it's so much better for the environment because it didn't travel far to get to me.

I'm also signed up for a CSA this year (community supported agriculture). Starting next week I'm getting a weekly box of organic vegetables and fruit from a local farm. This is paid up front for the whole growing season and it is about $16 a week for me.

Farmer's markets and CSAs are so much cheaper in my area compared to buying produce of the same quality in a grocery store (I would have to go to Whole Foods to get something with similar quality and taste and their prices are horrible!)