Good Advice
Yes, I know…shop and move, but I’ve noticed lots of new faces over the last several months. In the few minutes it takes to conduct a transaction, plenty of information can be passed between patrons and vendors. Customers continue to question each other and comment on choices even while socially distanced.New customers tend to stand out because they don’t know who has what and where everything is located. Each week I try to make loop around the market prior to the opening to take a quick inventory, noting new products just coming into season and mentally logging those which have passed.The knowledge vendors share is often taken for granted by seasoned market shoppers who have learned to grill their producers for an assortment of information from agricultural practices to varieties that work best for certain recipes. They show up with totes, wagons, and bags ready to load up on groceries sans the ubiquitous carts found in grocery stores. A few weeks ago when it rained, the early birds placed their carts and bags in a queue at the entrance of the market and then retreated to their cars until opening time so they did not have to stand in the inclement weather.However, I’m meeting folks who have never shopped at farmers markets, opting to give it a try for an assortment of reasons in the age of COVID19.“I don’t want to go into a grocery store anymore. Outdoors is safer.” “Delivery service is difficult and I don’t always get what I order.” “I heard that masks are required and it is enforced.”As we enter fall I’m certain they’ll start asking, “When is this market over?” to which I’ll get to explain why farmers are able to produce and sell year-round, often much to their amazement.So for all you market newbies out there, this week’s Dishing the Dirt is to get you up to speed and shopping like a market pro in no time.
- Be early. Unlike a grocery store, market vendors must back-haul anything they do not sell. Most farmers of highly perishable goods have been doing markets for years so they’ve got a fairly good idea of how much to bring. Showing up later in the day to avoid the line means you will miss out on coveted staples such as breads, dairy items, and eggs—these often sell out first. If you can’t be early, learn to pre-order. Pro-tip: pre-order your perishable staples and then pick up at your leisure while still perusing seasonal produce, prepared foods, flowers, and libations.
- Bring multiple bags. You can always spot a seasoned shopper with numerous bags slung over each shoulder. At least one bag should be insulated for cold and frozen items. Having multiple bags will allow you to protect delicate items like ripe fruits and tender greens from bruising bulldozers like melons, squash, and potatoes. Shopping for a family, the weight of all that food can add up. Consider investing in market cart or collapsible wagon like the ones Central Farm Market staff uses to gather curbside pickup orders. No, the market does not provide carts for customer use.
- Get to know your producers. Unlike traditional grocery stores, you are purchasing directly from the producer. I’ve watched as the proverbial light has gone on with a customer on multiple occasions when I tell them I shop for my food at the farmers market. Ask us how to use what we sell. Many of us can also point you in the direction for other ingredients.
- Be adventurous. There is a lot of food at the farmers market that you will never see at a traditional grocery store—not even at those fancy gourmet chains. Some farmers grow heirloom fruits and vegetables that aren’t suited for larger scale production, have short harvest windows, and don’t travel or keep well. Why do they bring it to market? It may be an excess from a crop an ancestor planted, or a traditional food grown for a cultural community, or for the shear joy of watching customers snatch up a rare delight with glee. Some items are edible by-products of production practices like green garlic from thinning and the garlic scapes from trimming a main garlic crop. For the ultimate adventure—let the producer pick out something for you. Hint: we’re always going to offer the choicest items to make you happy because we want you to keep coming back.
- Get connected. It’s the twenty first century and we all carry around mini-computers more powerful than the processor on the first manned space mission. Use them! Keep up to date with what’s happening at Central Farm Markets by signing up for our weekly eBlast. This will become important as winter weather arrives that may necessitate the cancellation of market. The market also relays information via social media with Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And don’t forget your vendors! Many of us also have presences on social media as well as websites that offer information, online ordering, and plenty of ideas for how to serve all the delicious goodness you’ll find at the market.