Someone recently asked why I bother to shop at farmer’s markets. The question took me by surprise. The answer seemed obvious, and yet I burbled on incoherently. Afterwards I sat down to give it more thought. Here are the top reasons why I shop at farmer’s markets. Which, if any, are important to you? Maybe you have others to add?
Freshness. Farmer markets sell recently harvested produce–usually less than 24 hours since harvesting. It’s fresher than most store-bought produce, which has gone days, if not weeks, since harvest.
Better for the environment. The carbon footprint to transport from nearby farms is teeny compared to the fuel consumed over hundreds and thousands of miles by sea, air, or long-distance trucking. Also, farmers’ market produce is usually presented in wooden crates and then conveyed in small bags, eliminating the polluting kinds of packaging that protects produce in long-distance transport. Think of all those sturdy plastic tubs in landfills.
Nutritional value. Foods that have been sitting on grocery shelves or in warehouses or traveled long distances suffer nutritionally. Eat food as soon as possible after it’s been harvested. Nutritional content is greater with fresh and local foods since they’ve been harvested recently and haven’t been shot through with preservatives to extend their shelf life. 
Better taste. Eat a strawberry that was recently harvested and you’ll likely be amazed at the difference between fresh-picked and store-packaged fruits. Flavor skyrockets when fruits and vegetables are picked at their peak and haven’t been artificially induced or restrained from reaching ripeness.
Cleaner and safer. Farmer market produce is often grown organically or with sparing use of chemicals. Similarly, breads & baked goods aren’t pumped full of unhealthy preservatives that extend shelf life. Produce sold in regular stores is full of toxic pesticides, fungicides, and other chemical fertilizers and sprays.
Custom sizing. Pick one or two carrots if that’s all you need. You won’t be forced to purchase an entire bag. Buy portions that match your needs, which means less waste and less over-eating.
Inspect what you’re getting. In stores, foods & herbs are usually sold in sealed containers and you’re forced to guess at their quality. How often do you get home and open them only to find that the contents are over-ripe, wilted, or slimy?
Keep our communities healthy. The more that we support local farmers who grow food in healthy ways, the more that they–and their farms–will flourish. Buying at local markets puts money directly into the pockets of local producers rather than industrial conglomerates.
Free exercise. We can often walk or bike to markets, getting free exercise and an opportunity to be outdoors.
Fun and educational for the whole family. Engaging with farmers & local craftspeople can be full of learning and fun. Bring the kids. Ask for tips/recipes on how to prepare food in healthy, tasty ways. Bump into neighbors and friends. Shopping in grocery stores can be an isolating experience and a chore. By contrast, shopping at farmer markets reinforces community bonds and can be a pleasurable activity for the whole family.
Related Posts:
Stirring Things Up
Winter Season at the Markets
In Season at the Markets–Late Spring
In the Kitchen with David Tanis
Don’t Get Blue About Greens
My Paris Market Cookbook
Let’s Get Fresh